Moist and Easy Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe You’ll Love

Christmas is just around the corner, and, oh, the smell of a moist and sweet fruit cake baking—it’s really something special, isn’t it? You know, the kind that makes your whole home feel warm and cozy, wrapping you in festive joy. This family recipe has been passed down, and it’s so easy, even the most kitchen-shy person can pull it off! Just imagine biting into a slice, the flavors bursting with fruits and a sprinkle of warm spices, while you sit with family, sharing laughs over mulled wine or tea… It’s truly the best part of the holidays.

Why You’ll Crave It

• Moist and packed with delicious fruits that make every bite a joy.
• Perfect for making ahead—seriously, it gets better with time!
• Flexible ingredients mean you can add your favorites or whatever’s in your pantry.
• It’s a family recipe, so it’s filled with love—who doesn’t want that?
• Great for sharing—trust me, friends and relatives will ask for seconds!

My family fights over the last slice every year…

What You’ll Need

• Mixed dried fruit: 1 1/2 cups of any combination—raisins, apricots, or any favorites really; just make sure they’re chewy and colorful!
• Chopped nuts: 1/2 cup—walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch.
• Unsweetened applesauce: 1 cup; gives it moisture without being too dense.
• Brown sugar: 1/2 cup; go dark for deeper flavor or light for a milder sweetness.
• Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup; it’s about that nice tender mouthfeel!
• Eggs: 2 large; they help bind everything together nicely.
• All-purpose flour: 2 cups to build the structure—nothing fancy here.
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon to help it rise a bit.
• Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, because holiday aromas are the best.
• Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon; such a warm, cozy flavor, right?
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon; just a pinch to balance the sweetness!
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon; the finishing touch for depth of flavor.

Easy How-To

Soaking the goodness

First things first, you want to soak those mixed dried fruits—that’s key for juicy flavor. Use orange juice, about 2 hours works well, just make sure they’re all coated, soaking up that citrusy goodness. Yum! Then, when it’s time, preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) because you want that warm snuggly environment for the cake…

About the cake batter

Grease a round cake tin and line it with parchment, ‘cause we all hate when cake sticks to the pan, right? In a big bowl, mix your flour, baking powder, and spices together; get it nice and combined. Then, in another bowl, cream the sugar and oil until it’s light and fluffy. Next, add in those eggs, one at a time—you want it to be smooth and a little airy. Take your dry mix and gently fold it into your wet mix… it’s like a dance, careful, don’t overmix!

The grand mix

Now, here’s where the magic happens—gently stir in those soaked fruits and nuts, making sure every little piece gets its turn. Pour the lovely batter into your prepared tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in your preheated oven and… then you wait. It’ll need about an hour, but check with a skewer; if it comes out clean, you’re golden!

Cooling

After baking, let the cake chill in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely… patience is key, but the aroma wafting through your kitchen? So worth it!

Good to Know

• If you want, mix up the fruits; cranberries or dried figs are great alternatives!
• For a richer flavor, using dark brown sugar is the way to go.
• And hey, if you fancy it, a splash of rum while soaking the fruits adds depth—totally optional though!

Serving Ideas

• Enjoy it plain or sprinkle with powdered sugar for a little festive flair. It also pairs fabulously with a dollop of whipped cream.

Top Tricks

• Don’t skimp on the soaking time; it really makes a difference in flavor and moistness!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?

Ah, fresh fruit can be a bit tricky since it has so much moisture—it could make the cake too wet and affect baking time, so I wouldn’t recommend it.

How long can I store the fruitcake?

When wrapped right, it can last for weeks or even months! It’s perfect for those holiday parties or even just a cozy evening with tea.

Can I prepare this cake in advance?

Absolutely! It actually gets better over time; make it weeks in advance and let those flavors deepen.

Is alcohol necessary?

Not at all! It can enhance the flavor, but you can substitute that with some juice if you like, no worries.

What if my cake sinks in the middle?

That could be from either underbaking or overmixing… be gentle with that batter and double-check your bake time!

Conclusion

This moist and easy fruit cake is truly a treasure for holiday gatherings, with its rich flavors and delightful texture just wrapping you in a warm embrace. And the best part? You can customize it however you like. Trust me, it’s sure to become a favorite as you celebrate with family and friends.

More Recipe Suggestions

• Spiced Apple Cake: Add some warm spices and grated apples for a lovely autumnal twist!
• Chocolate Fruit Cake: Mix in cocoa powder and dark chocolate chunks for something decadent.
• Coconut Fruit Cake: Swap some dried fruits for shredded coconut—tropically delicious!
• Nuts Delight Cake: Throw in a variety of nuts like almonds and pecans for extra richness.
• Glazed Orange Fruit Cake: Drizzle a zesty orange glaze over the top for a refreshing finish.