Easy Moist Fruit Christmas Cake

Introduction

This rich and moist Christmas fruit cake is a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table. Unlike traditional recipes, this version skips the lengthy soaking process for the fruit, making it a quick yet decadent option. Serve it plain or dress it up with marzipan, fondant, and festive decorations for a truly magical dessert.

Perfect for gatherings or as a homemade gift, this fruit cake combines warm spices, luscious dried fruits, and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let’s get started on this holiday favorite!

Ingredients

Fast-Soaked Fruit:

• 300g (10 oz) raisins
• 150g (5 oz) diced dried apricots
• 75g (2.5 oz) mixed peel, diced
• 150g (5 oz) glace cherries, chopped
• 180g (6 oz) dates, diced
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp apple juice (or ⅓ brandy + ⅔ juice)

Cake:

• 115g (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups dark brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or neutral oil)
• 3 tbsp molasses (or golden syrup)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp allspice
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 3 large eggs
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ⅔ cups plain flour (all-purpose)
• ¾ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

For Serving (Optional):

• 500ml (1 pint) pouring custard

For Decorating (Optional):

• 250g (8 oz) marzipan
• 250g (8 oz) fondant
• Cherries dusted with icing sugar

Preparation

1. Fast-Soaked Fruit:

• In a large microwavable bowl, combine the dried fruits and liquid (apple juice or brandy mix).
• Microwave on high for 1 ½ minutes or until hot.
• Stir well, cover, and set aside to soak and cool for 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

• Preheat the oven to 160°C / 320°F (140°C fan). Grease and line a 21-22 cm round cake pan with parchment paper.
• Beat butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until creamy (~1 minute).
• Add the oil and molasses, mixing until combined.
• Stir in the salt, spices, and baking powder.
• Add eggs one by one, beating after each addition.
• Gradually fold in the flour, followed by the soaked fruit (with its liquid) and walnuts if using.

3. Bake the Cake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Bake for 2 ½ hours, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Decorating (Optional):

• Roll out the marzipan into a thin layer and cover the cake, smoothing it out evenly.
• Repeat with the fondant, layering it over the marzipan.
• Use a knife or tool to create decorative patterns, and top with cherries dusted with icing sugar for a festive finish.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve the cake plain or alongside warm pouring custard for a truly festive treat.

Enjoy the holiday season with this simple, flavorful Christmas cake! 🎅✨

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