Fruit cake! Fruit cake! That is how excited I was about today's recipe. Moist and very Christmas spice filed dessert. Day 14 of #VLOGMAS2021 is truly an amazing one. Most of the time whenever we eat fruit cakes it's always at weddings well, here in Kenya anyway so it's fun to be able to have it anytime you want and this will give you that chance. The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a slice of decadent Moist Christmas Fruit Cake? This timeless classic, with its rich blend of spices and mixed dried fruits, is a delightful indulgence that has been a favorite at festive gatherings for generations. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps to create this moist and flavorful treat that's sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to guide you to success.
Who is this Recipe For?
This Moist Christmas Fruit Cake is perfect for anyone who
appreciates the warm and comforting flavors of the holiday season. Whether
you're hosting a big family gathering, planning a cozy evening by the
fireplace, or looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe is versatile
and ideal for various occasions. It's a delightful treat for adults and
children alike, and the sweetness and spice combination will have everyone
reaching for seconds.
Why This Recipe Is Great
There are plenty of reasons why this Moist Christmas Fruit
Cake recipe is a holiday favorite:
- Flavor
Explosion: The blend of cinnamon, ground cloves, and ginger, along
with mixed dried fruit, creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your
taste buds.
- Moist
and Tender: The secret to this cake's perfection lies in its moisture.
With the right mix of ingredients and careful baking, you'll achieve a
cake that's wonderfully moist and tender.
- Make
Ahead: This cake actually gets better with time. You can bake it in
advance and let it mature for a few days or even weeks, making it a
convenient dessert for the busy holiday season.
- Impressive
Presentation: The beautifully decorated fruit cake can be the centerpiece
of your dessert table. It's a showstopper that's as pleasing to the eyes
as it is to the palate.
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients and Kitchen Equipment
Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather our ingredients
and ensure we have the necessary kitchen equipment ready.
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup
Brown Sugar
- 1 Cup
Water
- 1/4
Cup Butter
- 1
Teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/2
Teaspoon Ground Cloves
- 1
Teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 2 Cups
Mixed Dried Fruit/Currants
- 2 Eggs
- 1 1/2
Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1
Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2
Teaspoon Salt
- 1
Teaspoon Vanilla Essence
Kitchen Equipment:
- Mixing
bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Wooden
spoon
- Cake
tin (9-inch round or equivalent)
- Parchment
paper
- Cooling
rack
- Cake
decorating tools (if desired)
Directions
Now that we're all set, let's start baking this scrumptious
Moist Christmas Fruit Cake.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat
your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease your cake tin. Line the bottom with
parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a
saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, butter, cinnamon, ground cloves, and
ground ginger. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until the
butter melts. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a
mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit/currants, eggs, all-purpose
flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla essence. Mix until all the
ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 2: Combine and Bake
- Pour
the cooled sugar and spice mixture over the fruit and flour mixture. Stir
until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Pour
the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake
in the preheated oven for approximately 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick
inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 3: Cool and Decorate
- Once
baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for about
10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- If you wish to decorate your Moist Christmas Fruit Cake, you can use icing, marzipan, and festive decorations to create a stunning holiday centerpiece.
Storing Leftovers
The great thing about Moist Christmas Fruit Cake is that it gets better with time. To store any leftovers, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature, and it will stay delicious for several weeks. Some even prefer to age it for a few months for an even richer flavor.
Christmas Fruit Cake – FAQs
1. What is Christmas fruit cake?
Christmas fruit cake is a rich, dense cake packed with dried and candied fruits, nuts, and spices, traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. It often includes alcohol like brandy or rum for flavor and preservation.
2. How long does Christmas fruit cake last?
If stored properly in an airtight container and occasionally “fed” with alcohol, it can last for several weeks to months, often improving in flavor over time.
3. Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, you can substitute alcohol with fruit juices or flavored syrups, but the cake won’t keep as long.
4. What fruits are commonly used?
Typical fruits include raisins, currants, dates, candied orange and lemon peel, and sometimes dried cherries or cranberries.
5. How do I avoid a dry fruit cake?
Soaking the fruits in alcohol or juice before baking and adding enough fat and moisture to the batter helps keep the cake moist.
Nutrition Card – Approx. per slice (~100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal | — | Dense and energy-rich due to fruits and nuts |
| Protein | 4 g | 8% | From nuts and flour |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g | 15% | High from sugars and dried fruits |
| Sugars | 30 g | — | From dried and candied fruits |
| Fat | 12 g | 18% | From butter and nuts |
| Sodium | 150 mg | 6% | Varies with recipe |
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | From eggs and butter |
Dietary Compatibility & Notes
| Diet Type | Compatible? | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | ❌ No | Use gluten-free flour blends |
| Dairy-Free | ✅ With changes | Substitute butter with dairy-free alternatives |
| Keto/Low-Carb | ❌ No | High in sugar and carbs |
| Paleo | ❌ No | Contains grains, sugar, and often dried fruit |
| Whole30 | ❌ No | Not compliant |
| Vegetarian | ✅ Yes | Contains no meat |
| Vegan | ✅ With changes | Use egg replacers and dairy-free fats |
Baking Tip:
Soak dried fruits overnight in brandy or juice to plump them up and enhance flavor. Wrap the cake in parchment and foil to retain moisture while baking.
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