Christmas is the time of year when the air gets crisp, the lights twinkle, and your kitchen becomes a magical realm filled with aromatic delights. Imagine a rich, moist Christmas fruit cake with brandy that envelops your senses like a warm hug from Grandma. warm and comforting dishes Each bite bursts with juicy fruits and crunchy nuts, while the brandy adds a spirited kick that dances on your palate.
This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a tradition that brings families together and sparks joy during the holiday season. As you slice into this festive cake, the sweet aroma fills the room, instantly transporting you back to cozy gatherings and laughter. breakfast with a holiday twist Whether served at Christmas dinner or wrapped as a gift for loved ones, this cake promises to be the star of the show!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Christmas fruit cake with brandy is incredibly easy to prepare, making holidays less stressful
- Its rich flavor profile combines sweetness with a hint of warmth from spices
- The vibrant colors make it a stunning centerpiece for any festive table
- Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a personal treat with coffee or tea
I remember making this cake last Christmas and watching my family’s eyes light up with excitement as they took their first bites; it felt like magic.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Mixed Dried Fruits: A mix of raisins, currants, and chopped apricots works best for depth of flavor.
-
Nuts: Use walnuts or almonds for crunch; toast them lightly for enhanced aroma.
-
Brandy: Choose a good quality brandy to elevate the cake’s flavor and richness.
-
Flour: All-purpose flour holds everything together beautifully; no need for fancy alternatives here.
-
Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and caramel notes that complement the fruits perfectly.
-
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth; don’t skimp on these festive flavors!
-
Baking Powder: Just a teaspoon helps the cake rise wonderfully without being too dense.
-
Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness; fresh eggs are essential for the best flavor.
-
Zest of Orange or Lemon: A little zest brightens up all those deep flavors; it’s like sunshine in your cake. For more inspiration, check out this lemon cheesecake squares recipe.
-
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps things balanced and creamy; make sure it’s softened before mixing!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. savory main course option.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Fruit Mixture: Start by mixing your dried fruits in a bowl with some brandy. Let them soak for at least an hour to plump them up and absorb all that lovely flavor.
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease your cake pan well to prevent sticking later on; nobody likes losing half their masterpiece.
Create Your Batter Base: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one by one while mixing well after each addition until smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients & Soaked Fruits: Sift flour, baking powder, and spices into your mixture. Gently fold in your soaked dried fruits along with nuts using a spatula to keep it light.
Pour & Bake with Love : Pour batter into your prepared pan evenly. Bake in preheated oven for about 1 hour 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. The tempting aroma will fill your home!
Cool & Glaze Time!: Let the cake cool in its pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Drizzle over some extra warmed brandy if desired; let it soak into every nook!
Enjoying this delightful Christmas fruit cake with brandy will surely become one of your favorite holiday traditions! It’s perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings by the fireplace—just don’t forget to save some for yourself! perfect pairing with fruit cake.
You Must Know
- This rich and fruity Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy will become your holiday tradition
- The blend of spices and sweet fruits creates an aroma that fills the house with warmth, making it a festive centerpiece
- Prepare for a flavor explosion that comforts the soul!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by soaking your dried fruits in brandy overnight for maximum flavor. This ensures the cake absorbs all that deliciousness while baking, resulting in a moist texture.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out nuts or add citrus zest to make the fruitcake uniquely yours. Experimenting with spices can also elevate the flavors even further.
Storing & Reheating
Wrap your Christmas Fruit Cake tightly in parchment paper and foil, storing it in a cool place. It keeps well for weeks and even gets better over time.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy shines best when you soak fruits beforehand, enhancing flavor depth
- Use fresh ingredients; they make all the difference in taste quality
- Remember to keep your cake wrapped to maintain moisture and deliciousness!
I remember the first time I made this cake; my family couldn’t stop raving about it. It quickly became our holiday tradition, bringing everyone together to share stories and laughter.

FAQ
How long should I soak the fruit for the cake?
Soak the dried fruit in brandy for at least 12 hours or overnight for best results.
Can I use a different type of alcohol?
Absolutely! Rum or whiskey can also enhance flavors beautifully in this fruit cake.
Is this fruit cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy for up to six months without losing flavor. For more inspiration, check out this caramel toffee crunch cake recipe.
Christmas Fruit Cake with Brandy
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
- Author: Hellen
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the spirit of the season with this rich and moist Christmas fruit cake infused with brandy. Each slice is a delightful blend of juicy dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and warm spices, creating a festive treat that brings families together. Perfect for sharing or savoring by the fire, this cake is an essential part of your holiday tradition.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped apricots)
- 1 cup walnuts or almonds (toasted)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- Zest of 1 orange or lemon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Instructions
- Soak mixed dried fruits in brandy for at least an hour.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and grease a cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Sift in flour, baking powder, and spices; fold in soaked fruits and nuts gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack and optionally drizzling with warmed brandy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Various
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg






