How to Bake the BEST Fruit Cake Ever | Moist Christmas Cake

mixed dried fruits

🥗Healthier: dried apricots and figs

💰Cheaper: raisins and sultanas

Using raisins and sultanas can significantly reduce costs while still providing sweetness.

dark rum

🥗Healthier: apple juice

💰Cheaper: non-alcoholic wine

Apple juice offers a fruity flavor without alcohol, making it suitable for all ages.

unsalted butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative, while margarine can be more budget-friendly.

glace cherries

🥗Healthier: fresh cherries

💰Cheaper: canned cherries

Fresh cherries are a healthier option, while canned cherries can be more economical.

Mix 800 g of dried fruits (200 g sultanas, 200 g raisins, 200 g black currants, 100 g prunes, 100 g dates) in a bowl and pour over 150 ml of rum. Mix well and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit for at least 24 hours.

In a large bowl, add 225 g of unsalted butter and 225 g of dark brown sugar. Beat for about 5 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add 1.5 tsp of molasses and mix for another 30 seconds.

Grind together 2 cinnamon sticks, 12 peppercorns, and 1/8 tsp of nutmeg to make allspice. In another bowl, whisk together 225 g of all-purpose flour, 0.5 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of allspice.

With the mixer on low speed, add 4 large eggs and 1 egg yolk one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Add 2 tsp of pure vanilla extract and mix briefly.

Add the flour mixture one tablespoon at a time, mixing until just incorporated. Then add 50 g of almond flour and mix gently to avoid overmixing.

Add the soaked fruits, zest of 2 oranges, zest of 1 lemon, 100 g of glace cherries, 100 g of mixed peels, 50 g of walnuts, and 50 g of blanched almonds to the batter. Mix until well combined.

Preheat the oven to 280°F (140°C). Prepare an 8x3 or 4-inch cake pan by brushing it with melted butter and lining it with double parchment paper.

Fill the prepared cake pan with the batter and level the top. Place a piece of parchment paper on top to prevent burning.

Place the cake pan on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 3 hours, checking for doneness with a skewer.

After 15-20 minutes of cooling, poke holes in the cake and pour 2-3 tablespoons of rum over the top. Wrap the cake in parchment paper, plastic wrap, and aluminum foil to preserve moisture.

Feed the cake with 1 tablespoon of rum every 2 weeks until Christmas.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens