If you’re on the hunt for a festive showstopper, there’s nothing quite like a Traditional Christmas Cake. This classic British holiday treat brims with juicy dried fruit, aromatic spices, and a hint of cheerful citrus, all bound together by rich, buttery batter and a generous splash of brandy. It’s the kind of cake that begs to be savored in good company, whether you’re enjoying a quiet coffee break by the tree or gathered ‘round a bustling holiday table. Not only is it gorgeous to serve, but its flavor actually deepens and improves as it ages, making the anticipation half the fun!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a Traditional Christmas Cake lies in its careful balance of humble, everyday ingredients with the holiday magic of candied fruit, nuts, and warming spices. Each component plays its part to create a cake that’s rich, fragrant, and bursting with festive flavor. Don’t be intimidated by the list—most of these can come straight from the pantry!
- Unsalted butter: Gives the cake that essential richness and ensures a tender crumb.
- Dark brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the fruits and spices.
- Large eggs: The “glue” that holds the whole cake together and adds needed structure.
- All-purpose flour: A reliable base that lets all those cheery add-ins shine.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise just enough so it’s dense but not heavy.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy backbone to the flavor profile.
- Ground nutmeg: Brings subtle, earthy sweetness that feels oh-so-festive.
- Ground cloves: Lends a spicy, slightly pungent note that really signals “holiday.”
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens every flavor in the cake.
- Mixed dried fruit: Think raisins, currants, and chopped dates—classic and chewy!
- Glacé cherries: These gems not only add pops of color but pockets of juicy sweetness.
- Mixed candied peel: Citrus peel cuts the sweetness while adding tantalizing bursts of flavor.
- Chopped almonds: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
- Chopped walnuts: Bring earthiness and a toasty complexity to every bite.
- Lemon zest: Adds bright citrus notes that lift the entire flavor of the cake.
- Orange zest: Infuses the cake with a juicy, sunny aroma and taste.
- Brandy: For soaking and flavor—a splash keeps the cake beautifully moist (swap for orange juice if you prefer alcohol-free).
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and helps tie all the other flavors together.
How to Make Traditional Christmas Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), and take a moment to line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. This step might feel fussy, but it’s the secret to getting your Traditional Christmas Cake out in one beautiful piece. It also helps protect the cake from over-browning during its long, gentle bake.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This can take a good few minutes, but it’s well worth the elbow grease—proper creaming makes for a lighter texture, even in a famously rich cake like this one.
Step 3: Add Eggs One by One
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This is key to a smooth, silky batter. Take your time with this step, scraping down the bowl as needed, so every bit gets beautifully blended.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Sifting helps distribute the spices evenly and keeps your cake light—not stodgy!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into your creamed butter mixture. Use a gentle hand here; folding ensures the air you worked into the butter stays put, and your Traditional Christmas Cake turns out perfectly tender.
Step 6: Stir in Festive Add-ins
Add the mixed dried fruit, glacé cherries, candied peel, almonds, walnuts, lemon zest, orange zest, brandy, and vanilla extract. Stir until the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed—every slice should be packed with little surprises!
Step 7: Fill the Pan and Level the Top
Spoon your thick, fragrant batter into the prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, pushing the mixture right to the edges. A level surface will bake evenly and look gorgeous when decorated.
Step 8: Bake Low and Slow
Bake for 2 and a half to 3 hours, checking for doneness by inserting a skewer into the cake’s center; it should come out clean. Traditional Christmas Cake loves a slow bake—it keeps the exterior golden without drying out the middle and lets all the flavors mingle.
Step 9: Cool and “Feed” the Cake
Let the cake cool in its pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully turn it onto a wire rack and cool completely. Once cooled, wrap tightly in parchment and foil. For maximum flavor and a truly moist crumb, poke holes in the cake each week and drizzle a tablespoon of brandy over the top. This little ritual makes the holiday season feel oh-so-special!
How to Serve Traditional Christmas Cake
Garnishes
Traditional Christmas Cake is a joy to decorate. For classic festivities, cover the cake in a layer of smooth marzipan followed by snowy royal icing; finish with a scattering of silver dragées, candied fruits, or even some festive little figurines. If you prefer a rustic look, simply dust with powdered sugar or crown with a few whole nuts and cherries—it’s all about making it your own.
Side Dishes
This cake is lovely with a steaming cup of tea, mulled wine, or holiday punch. If you’d like to get extra decadent, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a spoonful of brandy butter, or some vanilla ice cream. The rich fruitiness of the Traditional Christmas Cake pairs beautifully with a variety of creamy, mellow accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by slicing the cake thinly and stacking the pieces on a pretty tiered tray. Alternatively, cut it into cubes and thread onto skewers with candied orange peel for a whimsical dessert kebab. You can also wrap individual slices in cellophane and ribbon for festive edible gifts—nothing says holiday love quite like a piece of home-baked Traditional Christmas Cake!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Traditional Christmas Cake keeps brilliantly at room temperature, tightly wrapped in parchment and foil, and stored in an airtight container. It will easily last for several weeks, and actually gets more flavorful with time as the spices and fruit mingle.
Freezing
Yes—you can freeze Traditional Christmas Cake! Wrap it snugly in a double layer of plastic wrap, then again in foil, and it’ll be safe in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature overnight for best texture, and it’ll taste just as splendid as the day you baked it.
Reheating
This cake is delicious at room temperature, but if you fancy it slightly warm, pop individual slices onto a baking tray and heat in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds. Just enough to gently soften and release those gorgeous aromas.
FAQs
Can I make Traditional Christmas Cake without alcohol?
Absolutely! For a non-alcoholic version, swap out the brandy with orange juice. You’ll still get beautiful moisture and bright flavor, without any booze.
How far ahead should I make a Traditional Christmas Cake?
Aim to bake it at least three to four weeks before Christmas. Traditional Christmas Cake actually develops a richer, deeper flavor as it rests, especially if you “feed” it with brandy or juice over time.
Can I use other dried fruits or nuts?
Definitely! Feel free to blend in your favorite dried fruits like apricots or figs, and substitute pecans or hazelnuts for the almonds and walnuts if you prefer. The recipe is flexible and always delicious.
What’s the best way to decorate a Traditional Christmas Cake?
Classic marzipan and royal icing is the traditional route, but feel free to get creative. Use simple powdered sugar, a drizzle of glaze, or arrange festive toppings like candied fruit and nuts—the choice is yours!
Do I need a special pan for this cake?
No unusual bakeware is needed. A standard 8-inch round cake pan works perfectly. Just be sure to line it well with parchment for easy removal and even baking.
Final Thoughts
Few things feel more festive or rewarding than baking a Traditional Christmas Cake from scratch. Its rich, spicy aroma and jewel-like slices make every effort worthwhile. Gather your ingredients, start a new tradition, and watch as this cake becomes the star of your holiday celebrations!
