If you’ve been searching for a delightful, lighter twist on a classic holiday favorite, this Homemade Light Christmas Fruit Cake recipe is exactly what you need. It’s richly packed with fragrant spices, zesty citrus, and an inviting mix of dried fruits soaked in juice or rum, but without the heavy, dense feeling some fruit cakes can have. Every bite brings festive warmth and a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it an absolute joy to share around the table during the holidays or whenever you crave something special and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients sets the stage for a wonderful Homemade Light Christmas Fruit Cake recipe. Each ingredient plays its role, creating layers of flavor and texture—from the soft, fragrant cake base to the juicy, vibrant fruit pieces.
- Flour (2 cups / 250g): The foundation that gives structure to your cake while keeping it tender.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cake rise gently for that perfect lightness.
- Nutmeg (½ tsp): Adds a warm, nutty undertone that’s essential for festive spices.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): The classic spice that brings cozy sweetness and aroma.
- Mixed spice (1 tsp): A blend that builds on the other spices for complexity and depth.
- Salt (a pinch): Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness beautifully.
- Butter (226g / 1 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture, making the cake tender and delicious.
- White sugar (1 cup / 200g): Sweetens and helps create that fluffy, light crumb.
- 4 large eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure with a tender crumb.
- Vanilla flavor (1 tsp): Gives a subtle, fragrant lift that complements the spices and fruit.
- Butter flavor (optional, ½ tsp): An extra boost of buttery aroma if you want to elevate the taste further.
- Zest of 1 orange: Brightens the cake with fresh, citrusy notes.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Adds a zingy brightness that balances the sweetness.
- Chopped mixed dried fruits (2 cups): Bursting with chewy sweetness and festive color.
- Chopped glazed cherries (½ cup): Bring juicy bursts of red and sweetness.
- Candied peel (¼ cup): Offers zesty chewiness and a tasty contrast.
- Fruit juice or rum (½ cup): Used to soak the fruits, infusing them with moisture and rich flavor.
How to Make Homemade Light Christmas Fruit Cake recipe
Step 1: Soak the Fruits
Begin by soaking your chopped mixed dried fruits, glazed cherries, and candied peel in half a cup of fruit juice or rum. This step is where the magic starts—allow the fruits to plump up and soak in those lovely flavors for at least an hour, but if you can, do it overnight. This makes each bite juicy and flavorful, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with baking paper. This ensures your cake comes out smoothly and bakes evenly, creating that perfect golden crust we all love.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale, light, and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air, which is key to achieving that light texture we’re aiming for.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully mixed before adding the next. This slow addition keeps the batter stable and smooth, setting the base for a tender crumb.
Step 5: Mix in Flavors
Stir in the vanilla extract, optional butter flavor, and the fresh zests of orange and lemon. These ingredients bring warmth and brightness, making your cake more vibrant and inviting.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and mixed spice. This step evenly distributes the rising agent and spices, so every bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 7: Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Remember to be gentle to keep the airiness intact, aiming for a smooth batter without overmixing.
Step 8: Add Soaked Fruits
Fold in the soaked fruits along with their soaking liquid. This is what makes the cake moist and full of glorious bursts of flavor and texture—it’s truly the heart of this Homemade Light Christmas Fruit Cake recipe.
Step 9: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 75 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. The gentle heat helps the cake cook evenly and become tender without drying out.
Step 10: Cool and Finish
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it. While still warm, brush the top lightly with fruit juice or rum to give it extra moisture and shine. Wrapping the cake tightly afterward lets the flavors mingle and deepen beautifully—a true hallmark of a great fruit cake.
How to Serve Homemade Light Christmas Fruit Cake recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your cake’s presentation, consider dusting it lightly with powdered sugar or decorating with fresh citrus slices and sprigs of rosemary. Candied orange peel or a drizzle of honey can add a lovely touch, making this festive treat even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This Homemade Light Christmas Fruit Cake recipe pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a simple spread of cream cheese frosting. For a cozy twist, serve alongside a warm mug of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake thickly and serve on a rustic wooden board with jars of preserves and nuts to create a festive dessert platter. You can also wrap individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine as charming edible gifts for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover fruit cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to keep it fresh. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—flavors continue to develop, and the texture remains lovely.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake wrapped securely in layers of cling film and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve that charming moistness and tender crumb.
Reheating
If you like your fruit cake slightly warm, gently heat slices in a microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10 minutes. This brings out the spices and softens the cake beautifully without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of alcohol for soaking the fruits?
Absolutely! While rum and fruit juice are traditional and delicious, you can experiment with brandy, whiskey, or even a fortified wine like sherry. Choose whatever flavor you enjoy, keeping in mind the alcohol content for soaking time.
Is it necessary to soak the fruits overnight?
Overnight soaking is ideal for maximum plumpness and flavor, but if you’re short on time, soaking for at least an hour will still yield excellent results. Just try not to skip soaking altogether, as it’s key to the juicy texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might vary slightly, but your Homemade Light Christmas Fruit Cake recipe will still be delicious.
What if I don’t want to use alcohol?
No worries—using fruit juice such as apple, orange, or cranberry works wonderfully and keeps the cake light. This makes it suitable for everyone, including children and those avoiding alcohol.
How long does the cake keep after baking?
This cake keeps well for about 5 days at room temperature if stored correctly. It can also last up to two weeks in the fridge, wrapped tightly, making it a great make-ahead holiday treat.
Final Thoughts
If you love festive cakes that are not too heavy but bursting with holiday spirit, this Homemade Light Christmas Fruit Cake recipe is a must-try. It’s a heartwarming bake that brings joy to the kitchen and smiles to the table. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and enjoy every delicious bite with those you love most.
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