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

Scale

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