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Perfect Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe Easy Homemade Festive Holiday Treat

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A rich and flavorful Christmas fruit cake featuring mixed dried fruits soaked in brandy or orange juice, warm spices, and a moist buttery cake texture. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, and dried cherries)
  • 1/4 cup brandy or orange juice
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free coconut yogurt for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Combine mixed dried fruits, brandy (or orange juice), and orange zest in a small bowl. Stir and soak for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan and line with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  4. Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Mix in Greek yogurt until just combined.
  7. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture with a spatula, then carefully fold in soaked fruits and any remaining soaking liquid.
  8. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  9. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  10. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes before removing. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Soak dried fruits for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor and moistness. Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing. Avoid overmixing to keep cake tender. Tent with foil if browning too fast. Cake tastes better after resting 1-2 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas fruit cake, holiday cake, festive dessert, dried fruit cake, easy fruit cake recipe, moist fruit cake, gluten-free fruit cake, vegan fruit cake

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/perfect-christmas-fruit-cake-recipe-easy-homemade-festive-holiday-treat/