Name: Traditional Fruit and Nut Christmas Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 cup brown sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas); 1/2 cup chopped dates; 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots; 1 cup chopped mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans); 1/4 cup orange juice; 1 tbsp orange zest; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

A rich, dense holiday cake filled with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is festive, long-lasting, and improves in flavor over time.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Dried mixed fruits
Glacé cherries
Almonds
Butter
Brown sugar
Eggs
Flour
Mixed spice
Orange zest

directions

Preheat the oven to 160°C and line a cake tin.
Cream butter and sugar until light.
Add eggs gradually, then fold in flour and spices.
Stir in fruits, nuts, and zest.
Bake for 2 to 2½ hours until set.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 55 minutes

Variations

Soak fruits in juice or tea for extra moisture.
Use walnuts instead of almonds.

storage/reheating

Wrap tightly and store in a cool place for up to three weeks.
This cake is not typically reheated.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, it improves with time.

Does it need alcohol?

No, it can be made alcohol-free.

Can I freeze it?

Yes, freeze for up to three months.

Why is it baked at low temperature?

To prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Can I reduce sugar?

Slight reductions are possible.

What tin size is best?

A deep 20 cm round tin works well.

How do I know it is done?

A skewer should come out mostly clean.

Can I glaze the cake?

Yes, with apricot jam or icing.

Is this cake very sweet?

It is rich but balanced by spices.

Can I decorate it?

Yes, with nuts, cherries, or marzipan.

Conclusion

This traditional fruit and nut Christmas cake is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and celebration to any festive table.

Traditional Fruit and Nut Christmas Cake

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A rich and traditional Christmas cake loaded with dried fruits and nuts, warmly spiced and slow-baked for a moist, festive dessert.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10–12 slices 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a round cake tin with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.
Stir in dried fruits, dates, apricots, nuts, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, covering loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Test with a skewer; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin before removing.