As the festive season approaches, the air fills with the delightful scents of cinnamon and nutmeg, evoking the warm memories of family gatherings and holiday cheer. This Easy Christmas Loaf Cake is a perfect way to embrace that spirit, crafted for those who appreciate homemade goodness without the fuss. With its rich medley of dried fruits and spices, this cake captures the essence of tradition while offering modern convenience.
In just an hour and a half, you can create this moist, aromatic treat that’s ideal for smaller celebrations or as a heartfelt gift. It’s flavor-packed, easy to slice, and perfect alongside a steaming cup of tea. Plus, whether you enjoy it right away or save it for later, the flexibility of this recipe, including an alcohol-free option, makes it a truly versatile addition to your holiday menu. Join me in making this delicious loaf cake, and let’s fill our homes with the magic of the season!
Why is this Christmas Loaf Cake a must-try?
Irresistible Flavors: The blend of mixed dried fruits and warm spices creates a taste that captures holiday magic in every bite.
Effortless Preparation: With simple steps and easily sourced ingredients, this cake is designed for home bakers of all levels.
Versatile Delight: Perfect as a festive treat or a thoughtful gift, making it a crowd-pleaser for every occasion.
Quick to Make: In just 90 minutes, you can create a delectable dessert, ready to impress your guests.
Alcohol-Free Option: Substitute sherry with apple juice for a family-friendly version everyone can enjoy.
Freezing Friendly: This cake freezes beautifully, allowing you to prepare this festive favorite ahead of time and celebrate without stress!
Christmas Loaf Cake Ingredients
Prepare to create the delightful flavors of this Christmas Loaf Cake with these essential ingredients!
For the Cake
- Mixed Dried Fruit – A colorful mix of sultanas, raisins, currants, and mixed peel adds sweetness and moisture.
- Juice of 1 Orange – Brightens the flavor and enhances the cake’s moisture.
- Sherry – Introduces depth and a festive touch; swap with apple juice for an alcohol-free option.
- Boiling Water – Plumps the dried fruit, ensuring it infuses beautifully into the batter.
- Butter (softened) – Provides richness and contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.
- Soft Dark Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and moistness; can be replaced with muscovado sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Large Eggs – Essential for binding and adding moisture to the cake.
- Self-Raising Flour – Helps the cake rise beautifully, ensuring a fluffy texture.
- Mixed Spice & Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and festive notes typical of holiday baking.
- Glacé Cherries (halved) – Introduces vibrant color and a burst of sweetness in every slice.
Enjoy gathering these ingredients, and let’s create a magical holiday treat together!
How to Make Easy Christmas Loaf Cake
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Prep the Fruit: In a large saucepan, combine the mixed dried fruit, orange juice, sherry (or apple juice), and boiling water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Once done, allow it to cool.
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or 325°F. Line two 1lb loaf tins with baking paper to prevent sticking.
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Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition for a smooth consistency.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the self-raising flour, mixed spices, and cinnamon. Once combined, add the cooled fruit mixture and glacé cherries, folding until just incorporated.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tins and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. The cake is ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
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Decorate: Roll out marzipan and fondant icing to fit the tops of the loaves. Brush with water to stick the marzipan on before adding a layer of fondant and any decorative shapes you like.
Optional: Dust with icing sugar for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Loaf Cake
Room Temperature: Store the un-decorated loaf cake in an airtight tin for up to 6 months to maintain its moist texture without drying out.
Fridge: If already decorated, keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Ensure it’s wrapped well to prevent the icing from hardening.
Freezer: You can freeze the un-decorated Christmas Loaf Cake for up to 6 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for best results.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen cake, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bring it to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Christmas Loaf Cake Variations
Feel free to explore these fun twists that invite your creative flair in the kitchen!
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Fruit Variation: Swap the mixed dried fruit for chopped apricots or dates for a different sweetness profile. They add a chewy texture and a bright flavor!
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Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the moistness of the cake beautifully.
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Spice It Up: Enhance the spice level by adding extra cinnamon or even a hint of ginger for warmth that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Citrus Boost: Zest one lemon or a mandarin orange into the mix for a fresh, zesty twist that brightens each slice with vibrant flavors.
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Chocolate Delight: For a decadent version, incorporate dark chocolate chips or chunks to create a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the fruits.
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Lighter Option: Use a light butter substitute or applesauce in place of half the butter to reduce calories without losing that rich, tender texture.
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Vegan Swap: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based butter for a comforting loaf that everyone can enjoy.
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Boozy Flavor: If you’re not avoiding alcohol, consider adding a splash of rum or brandy for an indulgent twist that elevates the festive spirit further!
What to Serve with Easy Christmas Loaf Cake?
This festive delight pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes and drinks, enhancing your holiday dining experience.
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Whipped Cream:
A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a rich, creamy texture, elevating every bite of the loaf cake. -
Vanilla Custard:
The warm, velvety custard complements the spices in the cake, creating a luxurious experience that’s sure to impress. -
Spiced Tea:
A warm cup of spiced tea enhances the cake’s flavor, making it a cozy addition to your holiday gatherings. -
Fresh Fruit Salad:
A refreshing fruit salad creates a lovely contrast with the dense cake, adding brightness and texture to the plate. -
Chocolate Drizzle:
A simple drizzle of chocolate can satisfy any sweet tooth, providing a decadent touch that pairs beautifully with the spices. -
Eggnog:
This classic holiday drink brings festive cheer and creamy richness, complementing the flavors in the loaf cake perfectly. -
Cheese Platter:
A selection of mild cheeses offsets the sweetness of the cake, offering a savory balance for a sophisticated touch. -
Almond Biscotti:
Crunchy, nutty biscotti make for a delightful pairing, perfect for dipping in coffee or tea alongside slices of the loaf. -
Cinnamon Apple Compote:
A warm, spiced apple compote mirrors the cake’s flavors, creating a comforting and festive combination. -
Holiday Punch:
A sparkling, non-alcoholic punch is perfect for gatherings, making it a refreshing and celebratory drink alongside the cake.
Expert Tips for the Easy Christmas Loaf Cake
- Measure Accurately: Always use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for dried fruits and flour, to ensure your Christmas Loaf Cake turns out perfectly.
- Cool Before Icing: Allow the cake to cool completely before applying icing to prevent it from melting and sagging, ensuring a beautiful presentation.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough loaf.
- Regular Oven Checks: Start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark; ovens can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking your delightful loaf.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the mixed spices, enhancing the aromatic experience of your Christmas Loaf Cake.
- Storage Secrets: If freezing, wrap the un-decorated cake tightly in cling film and foil. This helps retain moisture and flavor for months!
Make Ahead Options
This Easy Christmas Loaf Cake is an excellent choice for busy cooks looking to simplify their holiday preparations! You can prepare the fruit mixture (dried fruit, orange juice, sherry, and boiling water) up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Once cooled, just refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, the un-decorated cakes can be stored in an airtight tin for up to 6 months, making them perfect for holiday gift giving. When ready to serve, simply bake and allow to cool before decorating! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a scrumptious dessert that’s just as delicious as if it were made fresh, ready to impress your guests or family.
Easy Christmas Loaf Cake Recipe FAQs
What kind of dried fruit should I use?
I recommend a delightful mix that includes sultanas, raisins, currants, and mixed peel for a balanced sweetness and moisture. Feel free to swap in your favorites, like apricots or dates, based on your preferences!
How should I store my Christmas Loaf Cake?
Store the un-decorated cake in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to 6 months. Once decorated, keep it in the fridge for about 2 weeks; just make sure it’s wrapped well to avoid the icing becoming too hard.
Can I freeze the Easy Christmas Loaf Cake?
Absolutely! For best results, wrap the un-decorated cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and bring it to room temperature.
What if my cake comes out too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness starting at 50 minutes. If you’d like to infuse moisture after baking, you can brush a little orange juice or syrup over the top once it cools.
Is this recipe safe for children?
Yes! You can make it family-friendly by substituting sherry with apple juice. Just be sure to always check for any specific allergies before serving, especially to dried fruits or nuts if you decide to add them.
How can I enhance the flavors of my Christmas Loaf Cake?
For a richer taste, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with your mixed spices. You can also feed your cake with a splash of alcohol after baking if desired, especially if you are preparing a version for the adults. Just be cautious with amounts to maintain the cake’s moistness!
Irresistibly Easy Christmas Loaf Cake for Festive Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large saucepan, combine the mixed dried fruit, orange juice, sherry (or apple juice), and boiling water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool.
- Set your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or 325°F. Line two 1lb loaf tins with baking paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gently fold in the self-raising flour, mixed spices, and cinnamon. Add the cooled fruit mixture and glacé cherries, folding until just incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tins and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour. The cake is ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Roll out marzipan and fondant icing to fit the tops of the loaves. Brush with water to stick before adding decorative shapes.
- Optional: Dust with icing sugar for an elegant touch.