I just adore the festive aroma that fills my kitchen when I bake this time of year. That’s exactly what you get with a homemade boiled Christmas fruit cake recipe with Mixed Dried Fruits, its rich, warm spices promising a truly comforting treat. This easy, family-friendly recipe is perfect for busy households, offering a healthier, budget-conscious way to enjoy a traditional favorite during the holidays. I find it’s a brilliant way to have a gorgeous dessert ready even on the busiest December weeknights.
Ingredient Highlights and Smart Substitutions
Crafting this delightful boiled Christmas fruit cake recipe with Mixed Dried Fruits starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, with some handy swaps for healthier or dietary options.
- Mixed Dried Fruits: 375g (2 cups) – A blend of sultanas, raisins, currants, and glacé cherries is ideal for classic flavor and a lovely chewy texture. (Swap: Feel free to customize with your favorite dried fruits like chopped apricots or cranberries for a different tang.)
- Plain Flour: 250g (2 cups) – Provides the necessary structure for the cake. (Swap: For a gluten-free boiled Christmas fruit cake recipe, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. This makes it a great option for healthy family recipes.)
- Soft Brown Sugar: 150g (¾ cup) – Adds deep, caramelized sweetness and helps retain moisture. (Swap: Reduce to 120g for a less sweet cake, or use a natural sweetener like date paste for a touch of unrefined sugar.)
- Unsalted Butter: 125g (½ cup) – Contributes richness and a tender crumb. (Swap: For dairy-free diets, a plant-based butter alternative works beautifully.)
- Eggs: 2 large – Act as a binder for the ingredients and help the cake rise.
- Mixed Spice: 2 tsp – A warming blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice that defines festive baking. (Swap: If you don’t have mixed spice, use 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, and ½ tsp ground ginger.)
- Liquid: 125ml (½ cup) strong black tea or orange juice – Essential for boiling the fruits and infusing moisture and subtle flavor. (For best results, use freshly brewed tea or fresh-squeezed orange juice, opting for organic ingredients when possible.)
- Orange Zest: 1 tsp freshly grated – Adds a bright, aromatic lift to the rich fruits.
- Optional Chopped Nuts: 50g (½ cup) almonds or walnuts – For extra crunch, protein, and healthy fats, making this a healthy boiled Christmas fruit cake recipe with Mixed Dried Fruits for everyone.
Easy Cooking Instructions Step by Step
Making this boiled Christmas fruit cake recipe with Mixed Dried Fruits is surprisingly simple, designed for busy cooks who want festive flavor without the fuss. Follow these steps for a perfectly moist cake.
- Prepare the fruit (5 mins): Combine your mixed dried fruits, butter, brown sugar, liquid (strong tea or orange juice), mixed spice, and orange zest in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir everything together over medium heat until the butter melts and the sugar fully dissolves, filling your kitchen with a delightful, warm scent.
- Boil and simmer (20-30 mins): Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 20-30 minutes. The fruits will plump up beautifully and absorb most of the liquid, looking glossy and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and cool completely. I often boil the fruit the night before; it makes morning baking so much smoother and helps with quick meal prep ideas.
- Mix the batter (10 mins): Once the fruit mixture is entirely cool — this is crucial for a good texture — stir in the beaten eggs. Then, gently fold in the plain flour (and optional chopped nuts) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are better than an overdeveloped gluten structure.
- Bake to perfection (1.5-2 hours): Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a greased 8-inch round tin with baking parchment, ensuring the sides are also lined. Pour the thick batter evenly into the tin and smooth the top. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake top is a rich golden brown. If the top seems to be browning too quickly, loosely tent the cake with foil for the remainder of the baking time. This family-friendly boiled Christmas fruit cake recipe with Mixed Dried Fruits is worth the wait.
- Cool and ‘feed’ (overnight +): Allow the cake to cool in its tin for at least 15 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once entirely cold, wrap it well in parchment paper, then in foil. For extra moisture and flavor, you can ‘feed’ your boiled Christmas fruit cake recipe with Mixed Dried Fruits by drizzling a tablespoon of orange juice or strong tea over it every few days. This makes it an even more luscious treat.
Everyday Uses and Storage Advice
This boiled christmas fruit cake recipe with Mixed Dried Fruits is a versatile holiday star! It’s perfect for many festive occasions, whether you’re serving it for Christmas Day dessert or bringing it to a holiday gathering.
- Best moments to serve: Ideal for Christmas Day dessert, festive gatherings, afternoon tea, or thoughtful homemade gifts.
- Creative serving suggestions: Enjoy with a dollop of clotted cream, warm custard, or for a unique twist, a thin slice of mature cheddar cheese.
- Storage and reheating guidance: Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks in the fridge, or about 1 week at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen slices at room temperature before serving. After the holidays, I love having a few slices tucked away in the freezer for an unexpected treat!
Wellness & Lifestyle Benefits of Boiled Christmas Fruit Cake
Our boiled christmas fruit cake recipe with Mixed Dried Fruits offers a balanced sweet treat for your family. It provides natural fruit sugars and fiber, contributing to steady energy levels during the busy holiday season.
- Diet suitability: Easily adapted for gluten-free needs using a suitable flour blend and for dairy-free diets with a plant-based butter alternative.
- Nutritional value: High in fiber from the abundant mixed dried fruits. This wholesome option fits well into healthy recipes for families looking for nutritious snacks or satisfying desserts.
- Lifestyle benefits: A fantastic make-ahead option for quick meal prep ideas for festive occasions. It’s a hearty, nutritious snack or a delightful dessert for family dinners, bringing a touch of holiday cheer without heavy prep.
Recipe Value for Your Daily Goals
Making this boiled christmas fruit cake recipe with Mixed Dried Fruits brings real value to your kitchen. It saves time by eliminating the long pre-soaking of fruits traditionally required for fruit cakes.
- Saves time: No long pre-soaking of fruits, making the process much faster.
- Saves money: Often more budget-friendly than purchasing high-quality store-bought cakes.
- Healthier control: Allows you to control the sugar content and choose preferred ingredients, fitting into healthier eating habits.
- Versatility: Perfect for gifting, entertaining, or simply enjoying as a family dessert. It’s a great candidate for your easy dinner solutions during the bustling holiday period.
Expert Tips, Variations, and Safety Notes
Achieving a perfectly moist boiled christmas fruit cake recipe with Mixed Dried Fruits is simple with a few key tips. Avoid overbaking to ensure the crumb remains wonderfully tender.
- Cooking tips: Don’t overbake; a moist crumb is the goal. Ensure the boiled fruit mixture is completely cooled before adding eggs and flour to prevent scrambling the eggs and yielding a dense cake.
- Flavor variations: Enhance the texture and taste by adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, extra glacé cherries, or candied orange peel. For liquid variations, use strong black tea, apple juice, or orange juice to infuse different flavor notes.
- Allergy adjustments: If adding nuts, clearly label the cake for potential allergens. For gluten-free cakes, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. For dairy-free, stick to plant-based butter alternatives.
FAQs About Boiled Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe
Can I prepare boiled Christmas fruit cake ahead of time and how long does it last?
Yes, this cake keeps exceptionally well and often improves in flavor after a few days or weeks, making it ideal for advance preparation. When stored properly in an airtight container, it can last for 2-3 weeks at room temperature, and even longer in the fridge or freezer.
Is boiled Christmas fruit cake suitable for a high-protein diet?
While not a primary protein source, you can boost its protein content by adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the batter. This makes it a more balanced and hearty treat, especially for a nutritious snack.
What are the best sides to serve with boiled Christmas fruit cake?
Traditional accompaniments include clotted cream or warm custard. For a delightful contrast, I find a thin slice of sharp cheddar cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of this boiled christmas fruit cake recipe with Mixed Dried Fruits.
Why is my boiled Christmas fruit cake dry?
Overbaking is the most common culprit for a dry cake. Ensure you don’t bake it for too long; check for doneness with a skewer. Also, using enough liquid in the boiling stage to plump the fruits is crucial for moisture.
Can I use a different mix of dried fruits for my boiled Christmas fruit cake recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the mixed dried fruits to your preference. A blend of raisins, sultanas, currants, dried apricots, or even chopped prunes works beautifully to personalize your boiled christmas fruit cake recipe with Mixed Dried Fruits.
What’s a clever way to keep my boiled Christmas fruit cake moist?
Beyond avoiding overbaking, wrapping the cooled cake tightly in parchment paper and then foil helps lock in moisture. I find brushing a little extra orange juice or strong tea over the top every few days keeps it incredibly moist.
Conclusion
This easy boiled christmas fruit cake recipe with Mixed Dried Fruits truly delivers on festive flavor and effortless preparation, ensuring a delightful holiday treat for everyone. Pin this recipe, save it for later, and make this delicious fruit cake a highlight of your family dinners this holiday season!
boiled christmas fruit cake recipe with Mixed Dried Fruits
- Total Time: 165 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This easy, family-friendly boiled Christmas fruit cake recipe features a rich blend of mixed dried fruits, warm spices, and optional nuts, offering a comforting and healthier traditional treat perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 375 g mixed dried fruits (sultanas, raisins, currants, glacé cherries, or custom)
- 250 g plain flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum)
- 150 g soft brown sugar (or 120 g for less sweet, or date paste)
- 125 g unsalted butter (or plant-based butter alternative)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp mixed spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, 0.5 tsp nutmeg, 0.5 tsp ground ginger)
- 125 ml strong black tea or orange juice
- 1 tsp freshly grated orange zest
- 50 g chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts), optional
Instructions
- Prepare Fruit Mixture: Combine dried fruits, butter, brown sugar, liquid, mixed spice, and orange zest in a large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Mix Batter: Once fruit mixture is cool, stir in beaten eggs. Gently fold in plain flour and optional chopped nuts until just combined.
- Bake Cake: Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a greased 8-inch round tin with parchment. Pour batter into the tin, smooth the top, and bake for 1.5-2 hours, or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool and Store: Cool cake in the tin for at least 15 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cold, wrap well in parchment and foil. Feed with orange juice or strong tea every few days for added moisture.
Notes
Customize dried fruits, flour, and butter for dietary needs (gluten-free, dairy-free, less sugar). Prepare fruit mixture the night before for convenience, and ensure it cools completely before mixing. Do not overmix batter. If browning too quickly, tent with foil. For best moisture and flavor, feed the cooled cake with orange juice or strong tea every few days and store wrapped.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling, Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (115 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: boiled Christmas fruit cake, mixed dried fruits, festive, easy, family-friendly, healthier, budget, holiday, traditional, baking