THE holiday season is synonymous with joy, warmth and of course, delectable treats. Among the array of festive desserts, Christmas fruit cakes stand out as timeless classics that have been adorning holiday tables for generations. Bursting with a symphony of flavours, textures and a touch of nostalgia, these fruit cakes are the perfect embodiment of holiday cheer. In this compilation, we present five distinct Christmas fruit cake recipes that promise to make your celebrations even more special.
Traditional rich fruit cake
The cornerstone of Christmas desserts, the traditional rich fruit cake, is a celebration of candied fruits, nuts and a generous splash of spirits. Its dense, moist texture and deep flavours create a comforting sense of tradition. Perfect for those who appreciate the classic charm of a time-honoured recipe.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brandy or rum
1 cup mixed candied fruits (cherries, citron, peel)
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a nine-inch round cake pan.
2. Cream butter and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time.
3. Mix flour, baking powder and salt. Add to the butter mixture alternately with brandy or rum.
4. Fold in candied fruits, raisins and chopped nuts.
5. Bake for 60-70 minutes. Cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Spiced orange and cranberry cake
Embrace the zesty allure of citrus and the tartness of cranberries with this spiced orange and cranberry cake. The combination of warm spices and vibrant fruits makes it a refreshing and modern twist on the traditional fruit cake, capturing the essence of winter festivities.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup orange juice
Zest of 2 oranges
1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Add to the butter mixture.
4. Mix in orange juice, zest and chopped cranberries.
5. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.
Chocolate-dipped cherry almond cake
For the chocolate lovers, the chocolate-dipped cherry almond cake offers a luxurious treat. Infused with the sweetness of cherries and the crunch of almonds, this decadent creation is adorned with a luscious chocolate coating, making it an irresistible centrepiece for your Christmas dessert spread.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
1 cup almonds, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a nine-inch round cake pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add to the butter mixture.
4. Mix in milk and almond extract. Fold in cherries and almonds.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Gingerbread pineapple upside-down cake
Merge the charm of gingerbread with the tropical delight of pineapple in this unique gingerbread pineapple upside-down cake. The warm spices complement the sweetness of pineapple, creating a delightful contrast that is sure to captivate your taste buds. A visual delight, it adds a whimsical touch to your holiday table.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, drained
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup molasses
1/2 cup hot water
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a nine-inch round cake pan.
2. Melt butter and spread evenly in the pan. Sprinkle brown sugar over the butter.
3. Arrange pineapple slices on top of the sugar.
4. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and salt.
5. In another bowl, mix molasses and hot water. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
6. Pour the batter over the pineapple slices and bake for 35-40 minutes.
Maple pecan bourbon fruit cake
Indulge in the richness of maple pecan bourbon fruit cake, where the warmth of bourbon and the sweetness of maple syrup elevate the flavours to new heights. Packed with pecans and an exquisite blend of dried fruits, this cake is a sophisticated choice for those seeking a refined and indulgent Christmas treat.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup bourbon
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup mixed dried fruits (apricots, figs, dates)
1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×9-inch square cake pan.
2. Cream, butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add to the butter mixture.
4. Mix in bourbon and maple syrup. Fold in dried fruits and pecans.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan before cutting.
As the aroma of these Christmas fruit cakes fills your kitchen, you will find yourself transported to a world of festive delight. Each recipe is a testament to the spirit of the season. So, gather your loved ones, embrace the joy of baking, and let these Christmas fruit cakes become the heartwarming centrepieces of your holiday celebrations. May your season be filled with sweetness, laughter and the joy of delightful treats.
