Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

There’s something magical about the smell of a fruit cake baking in the oven during the holidays. Warm spices, sweet dried fruits, and a touch of citrus fill the kitchen with cozy Christmas vibes. This Christmas Fruit Cake is easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for sharing with loved ones around the table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or making this for the first time, this recipe keeps things simple with approachable ingredients and step-by-step guidance.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons molasses (or honey)
• 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped dates, apricots)
• 1 cup chopped candied cherries
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prep your oven and pan
   Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar
   In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Mix dry ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
4. Combine wet and dry
   Add half of the dry mixture to the butter mixture, followed by orange juice and molasses, then stir in the remaining dry mix until smooth.
5. Fold in fruits and nuts
   Gently stir in dried fruit, candied cherries, nuts, and orange zest. The batter will be thick and loaded with goodies.
6. Bake
   Transfer batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool and enjoy
   Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. For even deeper flavor, wrap the cake in parchment and foil, and let it rest for a day before serving.

Helpful Notes & Tips

• Fruit soak option: For extra flavor, soak dried fruits in orange juice or a splash of brandy overnight before baking.
• Storage: Wrap tightly in foil and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. The flavors deepen as it sits!
• Spice control: Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking for a milder or bolder spiced cake.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Lighter option: Swap butter for coconut oil and reduce sugar slightly for a healthier take.

Serving Suggestions

• Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy holiday finish.
• Serve with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair with hot tea or coffee, for a truly festive treat.

Conclusion

This Christmas Fruit Cake is the perfect balance of rich, fruity sweetness and warm holiday spices. It’s a recipe that feels like home—cozy, nostalgic, and meant to be shared. Whether you serve it as dessert at Christmas dinner or wrap it as a gift for friends, this cake is sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer. Bake it once, and it’ll quickly become part of your family traditions.