If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that bursts with rich flavors and tradition, this Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe is your ultimate holiday companion. It’s a beautifully spiced, fruit-studded cake that fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and citrus while promising a moist, luscious bite in every slice. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or as a gift to loved ones, this cake brings warmth and joyous spirit to any Christmas celebration.

Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and festive color that makes this cake so irresistible.

Unsalted butter (1 cup): Softened to create a creamy base that keeps the cake moist and rich.
Dark brown sugar (1 cup): Adds depth and a subtle molasses flavor, enhancing the cake’s warmth.
Large eggs (4): Provide structure and help to bind all the components beautifully.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the cake’s foundation, giving it a tender crumb.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures a gentle rise, making the texture just right.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses a classic Christmas spice that’s both comforting and aromatic.
Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm, nutty layer of flavor.
Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Brings a gentle zing, balancing the sweetness.
Ground cloves (¼ teaspoon): Introduces a subtle earthiness that rounds out the spice mix.
Mixed dried fruits (1 cup): Raisins, sultanas, and currants deliver chewy bursts of sweetness throughout.
Dried cranberries (½ cup): Offer a tangy contrast that brightens the palate.
Mixed candied peel (½ cup): Lends vibrant colors and a citrus twist.
Glace cherries (1 cup, halved): Provide pops of deep red, adding to the festive look and taste.
Chopped almonds (¼ cup, optional): Add a lovely crunch and nutty aroma.
Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon: Fresh citrus zest lifts the richness and fills the cake with brightness.
Brandy (¼ cup, plus extra for brushing): Soaks into the fruit and cake, adding moistness and a wonderful boozy depth.
For decorating (optional): Marzipan or fondant icing, royal icing, and edible decorations like holly leaves or silver balls to make your cake truly festive.

How to Make Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Tin

Start by setting your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake tin thoroughly and line it with parchment paper. This prep ensures your cake won’t stick and will bake evenly, giving you a smooth, golden crust.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and dark brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to creating a tender crumb, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Zest

Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then gently fold in the orange and lemon zest, which will fill your kitchen with that heavenly citrus aroma and brighten the flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Gradually fold this aromatic blend into your butter and sugar mixture, careful not to overmix, which can make the cake dense.

Step 5: Stir in Fruits, Nuts, and Brandy

Now comes the colorful heart of the cake: add the mixed dried fruits, dried cranberries, candied peel, halved glace cherries, chopped almonds if you’re using them, and finally the brandy. Mix everything until evenly distributed to guarantee a bite filled with juicy sweetness and crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared tin, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon. Bake for 2 ½ to 3 hours until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. If you notice the top browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while the inside cooks through.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Once baked, let your cake cool completely in the tin. To keep it moist and flavorful, brush the surface with a little extra brandy, then wrap tightly with parchment and foil. Store it in an airtight container in a cool spot for up to a month — the flavors only get better with time.

Step 8: Optional Decoration and Finishing Touches

If you want to make your cake the star of the table, cover it with marzipan or fondant icing, then a smooth layer of royal icing. Add edible decorations like holly leaves or silver balls to create a stunning centerpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A slice of this cake shines best adorned with a dollop of whipped cream or a slather of rich buttercream to complement its dense texture. For a little extra sparkle, sprinkle chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of steaming tea or mulled wine – they bring out the warm spices and make every bite even more joyful. For a dessert spread, add some creamy vanilla custard or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream to balance the rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual cake slices in festive parchment and tie with ribbon for charming holiday gifts or party favors. You can also serve the cake on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary to evoke holiday spirit effortlessly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), keep them tightly wrapped in foil and stored in an airtight container to maintain that moist, rich texture. Stored this way, the cake remains delicious for weeks, making it perfect to nibble on throughout the season.

Freezing

You can freeze your traditional Christmas cake if you want to prepare ahead. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

This cake is best served at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warmed, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds – just enough to release the bouquet of spices without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of dried fruit in this cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your fruit mix to your liking. Apricots, figs, or even dates can add interesting textures and flavors while still honoring the spirit of the Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe.

How long should I soak the fruit before baking?

You can soak the dried fruit in brandy or any spirit of your choice for a few hours or even overnight to intensify the flavors, but it’s perfectly fine to add them directly as well, depending on how much prep time you have.

Is it necessary to brush the cake with brandy?

Brushing with brandy keeps the cake moist and infuses additional depth of flavor as it ages. It’s a classic touch, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute with orange juice or simply skip this step.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, making sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to get the right texture in your Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe.

How far in advance can I bake this cake?

This cake actually improves with time, so baking it up to a month ahead is ideal. Stored properly, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich, moist treat that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe isn’t just about making a dessert; it’s about filling your home with festive cheer and creating delicious memories. Give it a try, share slices with your loved ones, and watch how this classic treat becomes a beloved part of your holiday tradition year after year.