Easy Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

Okay, friends, let’s talk about the elephant in the holiday room: fruitcake. I know, I know, the word alone probably conjures images of doorstops and gifts from Aunt Mildred that mysteriously reappear every year. But hear me out! This Easy Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe is not *that* fruitcake. This is the kind of fruitcake that actually gets eaten, might even get requested, and absolutely will not chip a tooth. It’s vibrant, moist (yes, I said it, deal with it), and packed with enough festive cheer to make even the grumpiest Grinch crack a smile. Think less dense brick, more delicious, boozy (optional, but highly recommended) holiday treat.

The first time I attempted a fruitcake, my husband swore he saw me wrestling a block of concrete out of the oven. Bless his heart, he tries. He once tried to “help” by chopping the dried fruit for this recipe, which resulted in him using a bread knife, a cutting board that looked like a crime scene, and tiny, sticky fruit shrapnel coating every surface of the kitchen. I walked in to find him proudly holding up a single, perfectly sliced raisin, beaming. “See, babe? Efficiency!” Meanwhile, our cat was looking suspiciously shiny from all the errant syrup. It’s always an adventure around here, which is why recipes like this one – easy, forgiving, and utterly delicious even if you have a “helper” – are my absolute lifelines.

Time-Saving Hacks

• Don’t want to chop all that fruit? Buy pre-chopped mixed peel and dried fruit. Your hands will thank you, and no one will judge.
• Line your pan with parchment paper like a pro (or a lazy genius). It makes cleanup a breeze, meaning less scrubbing and more Netflix.
• Use a stand mixer if you have one. It saves your arm strength for more important tasks, like reaching for the wine opener.
• Skip the fancy soaking of fruit overnight. A quick warm bath in some booze (or juice) for an hour works just fine when you’re in a hurry.

Serving Ideas

Serve this glorious creation with a generous dollop of whipped cream, because calories don’t count during the holidays. A scoop of good vanilla bean ice cream is also an excellent life choice. Or, if the kids have driven you utterly bonkers, serve it with a very large glass of wine and call it “dessert and therapy.” For the traditionalists (or those who enjoy a bit of extra kick), a tiny drizzle of brandy or rum over a warm slice is just divine.

What to Serve It With

Honestly, this fruitcake is pretty self-sufficient. But if you want to be extra, a strong cup of coffee or a festive chai latte makes a great partner. For a full holiday spread, it plays nice with shortbread cookies, ginger snaps, or even alongside a cheese board – because salty and sweet is always a good idea, right?

✔Tips & Mistakes

Always use room temperature ingredients; it makes for a smoother batter and less panic. Don’t overmix! You want a cohesive batter, not a tough brick. When checking for doneness, a skewer should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If it looks dry, chances are it’s overbaked – next time, pull it out a little sooner. And yes, my first one was dry enough to absorb a small pond. We learn!

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe

This delightful fruit cake brings festive cheer and is perfect for holiday gatherings.

No ratings yet

Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook Print

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 cup all-purpose flour sifted
• ▢ 1 cup mixed dried fruit such as raisins and candied orange peel
• ▢ 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
• ▢ 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• ▢ 4 large eggs lightly beaten
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon for added spice
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated if possible
• ▢ 1 cup walnuts chopped

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
• In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs gradually, mixing well after each addition.
• In another bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix these dry ingredients together.
• Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
• Fold in the mixed dried fruit and walnuts until evenly distributed.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for approximately 2 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool before removing it from the pan.

Notes

Add a touch of brandy to the fruit mixture for an extra festive flavor.