Christmas Cake

This classic Christmas cake made with brandy-soaked dried fruit, nuts, and spices is a decadent and moist festive fruitcake full of rich flavor.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 3 hr
• Total Time: 3 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 645 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
• 2 cups raisins
• 1 cup dried currants
• 6 large eggs
• 2 (2.25 ounce) packages blanched slivered almonds
• 2 (8 ounce) containers candied cherries
• 1 (8 ounce) container candied mixed citrus peel
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 0.75 cup molasses
• 0.5 cup brandy
• 0.75 cup apple juice

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Dredge brandy-soaked fruit with 1/2 cup flour.

Step 2

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Step 3

Remove cake from the pan, and lift off the parchment paper. Cool cake completely, then wrap loosely in waxed paper. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months, or in the refrigerator for longer.

Step 4

Gather all ingredients.

Step 5

Whisk together remaining 2 cups flour, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 6

Stir molasses and apple juice together in a separate bowl until combined.

Step 7

Cream butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually blend in brown sugar and eggs.

Step 8

Add flour mixture in 4 batches, alternating with molasses mixture.

Step 9

Fold in floured fruit, then turn batter into the prepared pan.

Step 10

Combine candied cherries, citrus peel, and almonds in a medium bowl. Add raisins, currants, and dates; pour in brandy and stir to combine. Cover and let sit for 2 hours or overnight.

Step 11

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Grease a deep 8-inch fruitcake pan, line it with parchment paper, and grease again.