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Close-up, top-down view of a rich, fruit-and-nut-laden christmas cake on a dark platter.
wiame recipes

The Best Easy Christmas Cake (No Soaking Required)

A moist and flavourful Christmas fruit cake that requires no overnight soaking — perfect for holiday baking with dried fruits, warm spices, and pantry staples.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British, Holiday
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Fruit & Nuts
  • 200 g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, apricots)
  • 50 g glacé cherries, chopped
  • 50 g mixed peel
  • 50 g walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
Cake Batter
  • 200 g brown sugar
  • 200 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp cloves or mixed spice
  • 100 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 100 ml water or fruit juice

Equipment

  • 9-inch Cake Pan
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan with baking paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit, glacé cherries, mixed peel, and nuts.
  3. In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
  4. Add the beaten eggs to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and spices, then fold into the wet mixture.
  6. Stir in the fruit mixture and water or fruit juice until fully combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for about 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring to a rack to cool completely.

Notes

This Christmas cake uses mixed dried fruits and warm spices for rich flavor without the need for overnight soaking. Serve sliced with tea or dessert wine.