Easy Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe For Last-Minute Bakers

Table of Contents

Introduction

Christmas fruit cake is a famous holiday treat that is rich, moist, and full of delectable fruits and nuts. But what if you don’t have much time and need to bake one right away? Don’t worry! This simple fruit cake recipe is ideal for last-minute bakers.

This fruit cake recipe uses simple ingredients that you most likely already have on hand, saving you time while also providing a delicious festive treat. This recipe is ideal for a last-minute family gathering or simply getting into the holiday spirit. Source:[Recipetineats]

Fruit cake recipe: Christmas fruit cake topped with red cranberries and rosemary, surrounded by cinnamon sticks, nuts, mulled wine on a rustic table.

Why This Fruit Cake Recipe Works

Quick to Make: No long soak times required for the fruit.
Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find pantry staples.
Delicious and Moist: Packed with sweet candied fruits and nuts, it delivers a rich holiday flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The main structure of the cake.
½ teaspoon baking soda: To help the cake rise.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For that festive warmth.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A hint of spice to complement the sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds depth and sweetness to the cake.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened: For moisture and richness.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together.
1 teaspoon Citrus juice and zest: Fresh orange and lemon juice and zest can add flavor

Fruits & Nuts:

½ cup mashed bananas: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a hint of fruity flavor. It also acts as a binder, making the cake softer and more tender.
1 cup mixed candied fruits (pineapple, cherries, etc.): These provide that fruity sweetness.
¾ cup raisins: A staple in classic fruit cakes for added texture.
½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans): Adds crunch.

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Cake pan (greased and lined with parchment paper)
Oven preheated to 325°F (165°C)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Cake Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer or whisk. Beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Add the Fruits and Nuts: Mix in the candied fruits, raisins, and chopped nuts. Stir until well combined, ensuring the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Combine Everything: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add the orange juice (or brandy) and stir until the batter is smooth. If using, fold in the honey or molasses and citrus zest.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking.
Cool and Serve: Allow the fruit cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice and serve.

Health Benefits of Christmas Fruit Cake

Christmas fruit cake isn’t just a festive treat—it also offers several health benefits due to its nutrient-rich ingredients like fruits, nuts, and spices. Here’s how this holiday classic can be good for you:

Rich in Nutrients: Dried Fruits (Raisins, Candied Fruits) provide essential vitamins like B-complex and minerals such as iron, potassium, and calcium. They also offer natural sugars for energy.
Heart Health: Nuts (Walnuts, Pecans) are packed with healthy fats, and nuts are great for heart health. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.
Digestive Support: Spices like Cinnamon & Nutmeg have anti-inflammatory properties and support digestion. Cinnamon may also help regulate blood sugar levels.
Boosts Energy: The natural sugars from fruits offer a quick energy boost, making fruit cake a great holiday treat when you need an energy pick-me-up.
Mood Enhancer: Dark Chocolate (if used) contains mood-boosting compounds like serotonin.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per Slice – 100g)

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Calories: 280-350 kcal
Total Fat: 10-15g (Mostly from nuts)
Saturated Fat: 4-6g
Carbohydrates: 45-55g (from fruits and flour)
Sugars: 25-35g
Protein: 4-6g
Fiber: 3-4g
Sodium: 150-200mg

Serving Ideas

Classic Pairing: Serve the fruit cake with a cup of mulled wine or hot cider for a cozy holiday treat.
Festive Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing to create a snowy effect for that wintery charm.
With Ice Cream or Cream: Serve a slice alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a festive dessert.

Final Thoughts

If you’re running out of time and need to whip up a quick dessert, this easy fruit cake recipe will have you covered. Full of fruity goodness and festive spices, it’s the perfect treat for a Christmas celebration.

With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, you can create a moist, flavorful fruit cake that will have everyone asking for seconds. Start baking now and enjoy the taste of Christmas!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use any fruit in this fruit cake?

Yes, you can customize your fruit cake by using a variety of fruits. The classic Christmas fruit cake typically uses candied fruits like cherries, pineapple, and mixed citrus peel, along with raisins and sultanas. However, feel free to add dried figs, apricots, or prunes if preferred. Just ensure that the fruits you use are sweet and moist to help keep the cake tender.

2. Can I make this fruit cake recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Fruit cakes actually taste better when made a day or two in advance. The flavors have more time to meld, giving the cake a richer taste. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for up to a week.

3. Can I freeze the fruit cake?

Yes, fruit cakes freeze well. After baking and cooling completely, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

4. How do I keep my fruit cake moist?

To keep your fruit cake moist, ensure you’re using plenty of wet ingredients like butter, eggs, and liquids (orange juice, brandy, etc.). You can also occasionally drizzle a bit of rum or juice over the cake as it cools. Store the cake in an airtight container to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.

5. How can I make this fruit cake recipe alcohol-free?

To make an alcohol-free fruit cake, simply replace the brandy or rum with fruit juice. Orange juice works well as a substitute, providing a fresh citrus flavor that complements the fruits and spices in the cake. You can also use tea, apple juice, or even water as alternatives.