If you are searching for the Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe to fill your holiday table with warmth and tradition, look no further. This classic fruit cake is bursting with luscious dried fruits, a hint of zesty citrus, and a generous splash of cherry brandy that brings all the flavors together perfectly. Rich, moist, and wonderfully spiced, this cake is an absolute showstopper that captures the festive spirit in every bite, making it a timeless favorite to share with loved ones year after year.

Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first exciting step toward making the Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe. Each element plays a crucial part in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and aroma, from the sweetness of the muscovado sugar to the warmth of the spices and the fruity punch of the dried fruit mix.

Unsalted butter (3/4 cup/175g): Ensures a rich, creamy base that binds the fruit and cake together.
Light brown muscovado sugar (1 packed cup/210g): Adds depth with its molasses undertones giving the cake a moist texture.
Mixed dried fruit (2 + 2/3 cups/400g): Your star ingredient for that classic, fruity bite in every slice.
Glacé cherries (1 cup/200g), roughly chopped: Offer bursts of sweetness and a cheerful red color that sings holiday cheer.
Dried cranberries (1 cup/100g): Bring a tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Zest and juice of 1 orange: Infuses a bright citrus aroma to lighten the rich flavors.
Zest of 1 lemon: Adds a fresh zing that complements the spices.
Cherry brandy (1/2 cup/120ml): Soaks into the fruit to create that signature moistness and warming flavor.
Ground almonds (1/2 cup/85g, coarsely ground): Contribute to a tender crumb and subtle nuttiness.
Large eggs (3, lightly whisked): Bind everything into a smooth, cohesive batter.
Plain/all-purpose flour (1 + 2/3 cup/200g): Forms the structure of the cake.
Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Gives just enough lift without compromising density.
Ground mixed spice (1 tsp), ground cinnamon (1 tsp), and ground allspice (1/4 tsp): Create that warmly spiced aroma and flavor that’s unmistakably festive.
Cherry brandy (1-2 tbsp per week for feeding): For that special touch to keep the cake moist and flavorful as it matures.

How to Make Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Mixture

In a large pan, melt the butter and sugar together, allowing the muscovado sugar to dissolve beautifully into a rich caramel. Add the mixed dried fruit, chopped glacé cherries, and dried cranberries, then stir in the vibrant orange zest and juice along with the lemon zest and cherry brandy. Warm this mixture gently until it bubbles, then simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the fruits plump up and soak in all those wonderful flavors. Once done, leave it to cool slightly; this fragrant fruit medley is the heart and soul of your fruit cake!

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Tin

Preheat your oven to a gentle 150°C (300°F). To ensure your cake bakes evenly and comes out effortlessly, line a 20 cm (8-inch) cake tin with a removable base, using strips of baking parchment that rise 1.5 to 2 inches above the sides. For the base, fold a large piece of parchment three times to form a triangle, use it as a guide to cut a perfect circle for the bottom, and place it inside. This careful lining protects the cake from direct heat and helps maintain its moisture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Once your fruit mixture has cooled, stir in the coarsely ground almonds, which add a lovely texture and nutty flavor. Then whisk in the eggs gradually, mixing until the batter is smooth and glossy. This step brings all those bold tastes together into one harmonious blend ready to meet the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Mix and Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, mixed spice, cinnamon, and allspice to evenly distribute the spices throughout the flour. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into your fruity batter, stirring gently but thoroughly to combine. This careful mixing helps ensure your cake bakes with an even crumb and perfectly balanced flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Fruit Cake

Spoon your rich cake batter into the lined tin, smoothing the surface so it bakes evenly. Pop the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 140°C (275°F) and bake for an additional 60 to 75 minutes until the top is a deep golden brown and a skewer comes out clean. If the top starts to darken too much, cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. This slow baking allows the flavors to deepen and the cake to develop its classic dense, moist texture.

Step 6: Add Final Touches and Store

Take the cake out of the oven and, while it is still warm, poke 10 to 12 holes across the surface with a skewer. Drizzle 4 tablespoons of cherry brandy over the warm cake, letting the spirit drizzle down inside for that signature moisture and flavor boost. Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin, then wrap it carefully in two layers of baking parchment followed by foil and store in an airtight container at room temperature. To develop the rich complexity the Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe is famous for, “feed” it weekly with 2 tablespoons of brandy until a few days before you plan to decorate or serve.

How to Serve Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Simplicity is the key when garnishing this fruit cake. A dusting of icing sugar can add a light sweet touch and a snow-dusted appearance perfect for the season. For a truly festive flair, decorate with a few fresh holly leaves or sugared cranberries atop the cake, giving it that extra sparkle and traditional look that’s just so inviting.

Side Dishes

The Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe pairs beautifully with rich cranberry sauce or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to contrast its dense texture. You can also serve it alongside a warm custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, transforming it into a heartwarming holiday dessert that everyone will adore.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your fruit cake wrapped in festive parchment tied with a bright red ribbon for gift-giving or create mini versions baked in muffin tins for charming holiday treats. Another showstopping idea is to layer slices with marzipan and royal icing, turning it into a centerpiece-worthy Christmas cake that truly dazzles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The beauty of the Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe is how well it keeps. Stored wrapped in parchment and foil in an airtight container at room temperature, it can stay delicious for several weeks. The flavors mature over time, making leftovers even more delightful with each passing day.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or save leftovers, this fruit cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in cling film and foil to prevent freezer burn, then store for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, defrost overnight in the fridge to retain its moist, rich texture.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a low oven at 120°C (250°F) wrapped in foil for about 10 to 15 minutes to warm through without drying out. This brings back the comforting aroma and makes each bite just as delicious as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use different types of dried fruit?

Absolutely! The mixed dried fruit creates the signature texture and flavor, but you can customize it. Feel free to add your favorites like raisins, apricots, or chopped dates while keeping the overall quantity the same.

Is it necessary to feed the cake with brandy weekly?

Feeding the cake with brandy each week greatly enhances moisture and flavor, allowing the cake to ‘mature’ beautifully. However, if you’re short on time, you can enjoy it without this step, but it won’t develop the same depth.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

To make it vegan or dairy-free, substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives and replace the eggs with flax or chia seed eggs. Keep in mind the texture and rise might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

How long does the cake last after baking?

Properly stored, this cake can last several weeks at room temperature thanks to its dense fruit content and brandy. The longer it rests while being fed with brandy, the richer and more flavorful it becomes.

Can I decorate the cake immediately?

For best results, wait until the cake has been fed and has matured for at least a couple of weeks before marzipanning and icing. This ensures the icing sets well and the flavors have fully developed.

Final Thoughts

The Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe is truly a labor of love, rewarding you with rich, fruity goodness that embodies the spirit of the holidays. Whether you’re baking it for the first time or adding it to your festive traditions, this cake promises joy in every bite. So gather your ingredients, warm up your kitchen, and treat your family and friends to a slice of seasonal magic.

Best Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe