Description
The Grand Christmas Celebration Fruitcake is a festive, rich, and moist cake brimming with dried fruits, nuts, warm spices, and a touch of brandy or rum. A holiday classic, this fruitcake is best made ahead to let flavors deepen and develop, making it a timeless treat for Christmas gatherings and edible gifts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, cherries)
- 1/2 cup chopped candied citrus peel
- 1/2 cup brandy, rum, or orange juice
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: additional brandy for brushing after baking
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine dried fruits, candied peel, and brandy (or juice). Cover and soak overnight or for at least 6 hours.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in soaked fruits (with liquid), nuts, and vanilla extract.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Brush with extra brandy if desired.
- Wrap tightly and store in a cool place for several days or up to a few weeks for best flavor.
Notes
- Soaking the fruit enhances flavor and moisture—don’t skip this step!
- Fruitcake improves with age; wrap well and let it rest before serving.
- Brush weekly with alcohol for extended aging and moisture.
- Decorate with glazed fruits and nuts for a festive presentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus soaking time)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Holiday
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: British / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Christmas fruitcake, holiday cake recipe, classic fruitcake, brandy fruitcake, rich fruit cake, festive dessert, make-ahead holiday treat, traditional fruitcake, spiced fruitcake, celebration cake