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Christmas cake
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Merry Christmas Cake

A beautifully spiced Christmas cake packed with dried fruit, nuts, citrus, and warm holiday flavors. Finished simply with powdered sugar and festive toppings, this easy Christmas cake is perfect for gatherings, gifting, and holiday celebrations.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time55 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, British
Servings: 12
Calories: 360kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup chopped dates
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • ¼ cup orange juice

For Decorating

  • Powdered sugar
  • Dried cranberries
  • Walnuts or pecans
  • Fresh rosemary optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven and line a round cake pan with parchment paper.
  • Warm the dried fruit with orange juice for a few minutes. Set aside to cool.
  • Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and orange zest.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk.
  • Fold in the cooled dried fruit and chopped nuts.
  • Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake until the cake is cooked through and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool completely before decorating.
  • Dust with powdered sugar and decorate with cranberries, nuts, and rosemary.
  • Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Let the dried fruit cool completely before adding it to the cake batter.
  • Room-temperature butter and eggs help create a smoother batter.
  • Don't overmix once the flour is added, or the cake may become dense.
  • Make sure the cake is completely cool before decorating.
  • For a simple Christmas cake design, use powdered sugar, cranberries, nuts, and a little rosemary.
  • You can substitute the dried fruits with raisins, cherries, apricots, figs, or other favorites.
  • Store the finished cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
  • For the best flavor and texture, allow a refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

  • Calories: Approximately 360 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg