Moist Christmas Fruit Cake is a beloved holiday classic that elevates any festive gathering. This rich cake is packed with a delightful mix of soaked dried fruits and warm spices, creating an irresistible treat. With a touch of molasses, it strikes a perfect balance between dense and tender, making it a centerpiece for celebrations. This easy Christmas cake recipe yields a moist and richly flavored fruit cake, traditionally served with pouring custard or beautifully decorated with marzipan and fondant.

Why You’ll Love This Moist Christmas Fruit Cake

This Moist Christmas Fruit Cake is perfect for holiday celebrations for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a moist holiday fruitcake that can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen over days. Secondly, the combination of soaked dried fruits, spices, and a hint of alcohol (optional) creates a festive aroma that fills your kitchen. Thirdly, it’s a traditional moist fruitcake that appeals to both young and old. This cake also serves as a great gifting option for friends and family, making your holiday season even brighter. Not to forget, it’s a Christmas fruitcake recipe that can easily be customized with your choice of nuts and fruits, ensuring each bite is a new experience. Finally, this cake holds its moisture exceptionally well, allowing you to enjoy it for weeks!

Ingredients for Moist Christmas Fruit Cake

Gather these items:

300g / 10 oz raisins
150g / 5 oz diced dried apricots, chopped 8 mm / 1/3″
75g / 2.5 oz mixed peel, diced 5mm / 1/5″
150g / 5 oz glace cherries, chopped 8 mm / 1/3″
180g / 6 oz dates, diced 5mm / 1/5″

1 cup + 2 tbsp apple juice, OR 1/3 cup brandy + 2/3 cup apple juice
120g / 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (1 US stick)
1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola, peanut, grapeseed)
3 tbsp molasses or golden syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

3 large eggs
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 2/3 cups plain flour (all-purpose flour)
3/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
500ml / 1 pint pouring custard, homemade or store bought
250g / 8 oz “ready to roll” marzipan
250g / 8 oz “ready to roll” white fondant
Cherries dusted with icing sugar

Cherries or other fruit dusted with icing sugar
Drippy white glaze (plain sweet glaze without lemon juice)

How to Make Moist Christmas Fruit Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Place the dried fruit and apple juice or brandy mixture into a large microwavable container. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes or until the liquid is hot. Stir well to coat all the fruit with the liquid, then cover and set aside for 1 hour to soak and cool.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 160°C / 320°F (140°C fan). Grease and line a 21–22 cm / 8–9″ round cake pan with baking paper, ensuring the sides are about 7 cm / 2.75″ tall for ample cake rise.

Step 3: Using an electric beater, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar until smooth, creamy, and roughly doubled in volume — about 1 minute at speed 5.
Step 4: Beat in the vegetable oil and molasses (or golden syrup) until fully combined, enriching the batter and deepening its flavor.
Step 5: Add salt, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder to the mixture. Beat until these are evenly incorporated.
Step 6: Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition just until incorporated to maintain the batter’s texture.
Step 7: Stir in the plain flour until mostly integrated into the batter.

Step 8: Gently fold in the soaked fruit mixture, including all the soaking liquid for moisture, and chopped walnuts if using, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
Step 9: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and cover the top with foil to protect it from over-browning. Bake in the oven for 2 1/2 hours.
Step 10: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Step 11: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12: The cake is deliciously moist and flavorful eaten plain. For a festive touch, serve with warm pouring custard or proceed with decorating options below.
Step 13: To serve, either slice thin wedges or cut the cake into 2 cm (0.75″) strips, then cut those strips into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Step 14: Roll out marzipan dusted with icing sugar into a disc large enough to cover the cake. Carefully drape it over the cake, smoothing pleats with a wet table knife. Repeat the process with rolled white fondant on top of the marzipan layer for a smooth, beautiful finish. Add cherries dusted with icing sugar as shown in the photo.

Step 15: Top the plain cake with fresh cherries or other fruits dusted with icing sugar and wrap a ribbon around the cake. Alternatively, prepare and drizzle a plain white sweet glaze (omit lemon juice from a lemon glaze recipe) over the cake for a drippy effect.
Step 16: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature with homemade or store-bought pouring custard. Enhance store-bought custard by stirring in vanilla bean paste for added flavor and appeal.

Pro Tips for the Best Moist Christmas Fruit Cake

Keep these in mind:

This cake can be made ahead of time and stored for weeks.
Wrap the cake tightly to keep it moist.
The flavors improve over time, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Consider adding a splash of alcohol for an extra depth of flavor in your moist fruitcake with alcohol.

If you prefer a lighter cake, opt for a gluten-free moist fruitcake by substituting regular flour with gluten-free blends.

Best Ways to Serve Moist Christmas Fruit Cake

Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

Pair your cake with warm pouring custard for a comforting dessert experience.
Top each slice with whipped cream and festive fruits for an elegant touch.
For a special occasion, garnish with nuts and fruits to create a stunning platter.

How to Store and Reheat Moist Christmas Fruit Cake

To keep your cake moist and flavorful, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This cake can last for weeks, making it an excellent option for meal prep during the busy holiday season. If you need to reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds, or enjoy it at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moist Christmas Fruit Cake

What is a moist Christmas fruitcake?

A moist Christmas fruitcake is a dense cake made with a variety of soaked dried fruits, spices, and often some form of alcohol. It’s known for its rich flavor and moist texture, making it a cherished holiday dessert.

Can I make Moist Christmas Fruit Cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake benefits from being made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors develop and improve over time, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.

Why is my fruitcake dry?

Fruitcake can become dry if it’s overbaked or not stored properly. To ensure a moist texture, follow the baking times closely and wrap the cake tightly after it has cooled.

Variations of Moist Christmas Fruit Cake You Can Try

Get creative with your fruitcake by trying these variations:

For a gluten-free moist fruitcake, use a gluten-free flour blend.

Add different dried fruits, such as cranberries or figs, to customize the flavor.
Incorporate nuts like pecans or hazelnuts for added crunch and richness.
For a tropical twist, consider adding coconut or pineapple chunks to your cake batter.

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Incredible homemade Moist Christmas Fruit Cake ready for the festive table

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