Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe Perfect for Holiday Celebrations

Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe: Rich, Flavorful, and Festive

Description: Embrace the holiday spirit with our classic Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe. Learn how to make this rich, moist, and flavorful dessert that’s a staple at festive gathe

rings. Perfect for gifting and enjoying with loved ones!

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Introduction to Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

Christmas isn’t complete without the traditional fruit cake, a staple during the festive season. Known for its rich flavors, dense texture, and delightful mix of dried fruits and nuts, this cake embodies the spirit of Christmas.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through creating the perfect Christmas fruit cake that can even be made ahead of time, allowing its flavors to develop beautifully.

Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe Ingredients:

• For the Fruit Mixture:
  • 1 cup golden raisins
  • 1 cup currants
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mixed candied citrus peel
  • 1/4 cup candied ginger, chopped
  • 1 cup dark rum or brandy
• For the Cake:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup ground almonds
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds or pecans
  • 2 tablespoons rum or brandy for brushing (optional)

Equipment:

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer

Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruit Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine all the dried fruits and candied peel. Stir in 1 cup of rum or brandy, cover, and let soak overnight. This allows the fruits to plump up and absorb the flavors.
2. Prepare the Cake Pan:
   • Line a 9-inch round cake pan with two layers of parchment paper. Grease the paper. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, ground almonds, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the molasses, orange zest, and lemon zest.
5. Combine Mixtures:
   • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Then, stir in the soaked fruit mixture and chopped nuts until everything is well incorporated.
6. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 to 2.5 hours or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Store:
   • Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then remove from the pan and peel off the parchment paper. Cool completely on a wire rack.
   • Once cool, you can brush the top with 2 tablespoons of rum or brandy. Wrap the cake in parchment paper followed by foil and store in a cool, dry place. You can brush the cake with alcohol occasionally for added moisture and flavor, allowing it to mature for at least four weeks.

Conclusion:

This Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a festive tradition that brings joy and warmth to your holiday gatherings.

Its rich flavors and moist texture make it the perfect ending to any Christmas feast. Enjoy the process of baking this wonderful cake, and share the festive spirit with friends and family.