Ingredients
For the cake:
• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
• ½ cup chopped candied peel (orange, lemon, citron)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds
• ¼ cup brandy, rum, or apple juice (for soaking)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp allspice
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping (traditional):
• ½ cup marzipan (almond paste)
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for royal icing)
• 1–2 tbsp water or lemon juice
• Red & green candied cherries (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Soak the fruit: In a bowl, combine dried fruit, candied peel, nuts, and brandy. Let soak at room temp for 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 6-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in soaked fruit mixture.
- Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake 1 hour 15 mins–1 hour 30 mins, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan. Wrap tightly in parchment and foil. Store in an airtight container.
→ Optional: “Feed” the cake weekly with 1 tsp brandy for richer flavor over time.
Decorate (on Christmas Eve/Day):
8. Roll out marzipan and cover the top of the cake like fondant.
9. Make royal icing: Mix powdered sugar with water/lemon juice to a thick paste. Spread over marzipan.
10. Decorate with candied cherries, holly cutouts, or snowflake designs.
✨ A cherished holiday tradition—ages beautifully for weeks!
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 20 mins + soaking , Cook Time : 1 hr 30 mins , Total Time : 2 hrs (plus aging) , Servings : 12 slices , Calories : 260 , Net Carbs: 32g , Fats: 12g , Protein: 4g