19+ Christmas Cake Recipe Without Soaking Fruit Unlock Flavor Sensations!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
Christmas is a time for indulging in delicious treats and one of the most beloved is the classic Christmas cake. However, many traditional recipes call for soaking the fruit in alcohol for weeks, making it unsuitable for those who do not consume alcohol or simply do not have the time to wait. But fear not, because we have the perfect solution - a Christmas cake recipe without the need for soaking fruit!
Christmas is a time for indulgence and there's no better way to satisfy your sweet tooth than with a delicious Christmas cake. Whether you prefer a traditional fruit cake or something more modern, there's a Christmas cake recipe for everyone. Here are 20 of the best Christmas cake recipes to try this holiday season.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
If you're someone who loves a moist and rich Christmas cake, this recipe is for you. Made with a combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this cake is sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings. The key to keeping it moist is soaking the dried fruits in rum or brandy before baking.
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Boozy Christmas Cake (Paleo Fruit Cake)
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Dried Fruit, Rum, Pistachios, Lemon Zest, Orange
For those following a Paleo diet, this boozy Christmas cake is the perfect indulgence. Made with almond flour and sweetened with honey, this cake is gluten-free and refined sugar-free. But don't worry, it still packs a punch with the addition of rum-soaked dried fruits.
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
If you're a fan of the tart and tangy flavor of cranberries, you'll love this cranberry Christmas cake. The bright red cranberries add a festive touch to this delicious cake, which is also made with orange zest and pecans for a flavorful twist.
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Boozy Christmas Cake Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Strawberry Jam, Fruit, Candied Ginger, Medjool Dates
If you're hosting a Christmas party and want to serve individual portions of Christmas cake, these boozy cupcakes are the way to go. They're made with all the traditional Christmas cake ingredients, but baked into cute and bite-sized cupcakes.
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Sri Lankan Christmas Cake Cookies
Main Ingredients: Dates, Raisins, Warm Water, Coconut Oil, Light Brown
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful Christmas treat, these Sri Lankan Christmas cake cookies are a must-try. Made with a blend of spices and dried fruits, these cookies are a popular holiday treat in Sri Lanka and are sure to become a favorite in your household too.
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ProperFoodie’s Christmas Cake and icing decoration
Main Ingredients: Fruits, Sherry, Oranges, Unsalted Butter, Light Brown
For a show-stopping Christmas cake, try this recipe from ProperFoodie. The cake itself is a delicious blend of dried fruits and spices, but what really sets it apart is the stunning icing decoration. With a little bit of creativity and some edible gold dust, you can create a masterpiece that will impress all your guests.
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Christmas Cake Muffins with Sugared Pecans
Main Ingredients: Fruits, Sherry, Oranges, Unsalted Butter, Light Brown
For a fun and festive twist on traditional Christmas cake, try these Christmas cake muffins with sugared pecans. The muffins are packed with all the classic Christmas cake flavors, but the sugared pecans on top add a delightful crunch and sweetness.
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Jamaican Christmas Cake (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Main Ingredients: Fruits, Grape Juice, Molasses, Butter, Almond Extract
If you're in search of a vegan and gluten-free Christmas cake, this Jamaican-inspired recipe is a must-try. The cake is made with a blend of gluten-free flours and sweetened with dates and molasses. It's also packed with tropical flavors like coconut, pineapple, and rum-soaked dried fruits.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you're short on time but still want to whip up a delicious Christmas cake, this simple recipe is perfect for you. Made with just a few ingredients, this cake is easy to make but still packs all the classic flavors of Christmas.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
Another show-stopping Christmas cake, this yule log is sure to impress. Made with a rich chocolate sponge and filled with a creamy chocolate buttercream, this cake is a must-try for all chocolate lovers. The decoration on top is also customizable, making it a fun and creative project for the whole family.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
This Italian Christmas cake, known as Pandoro, is a light and fluffy alternative to the traditional fruit cake. The cake is shaped like a Christmas tree and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, making it a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
Whatever you call it, this fruit cake is a Christmas classic. This recipe is packed with all the classic dried fruits and spices, but also includes a delicious addition of marzipan in the middle. It's a must-try for any fruit cake lover.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you're looking for a fresh and zesty twist on traditional Christmas cake, this cranberry and lime version is a delicious choice. The tartness of the cranberries and the tanginess of the lime add a delightful contrast to the rich and spicy cake.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
This Christmas cake is bursting with festive flavors and colors. The combination of pistachios, cherries, and white chocolate make for a beautiful and delicious cake that is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
Another classic fruit cake recipe, this one is made with a blend of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The addition of a little bit of brandy gives an extra kick of flavor to this already delicious cake.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
This Christmas cake is perfect for those who love a nutty flavor. The addition of almonds to the classic dried fruit and spice blend gives an extra crunch and depth of flavor to this tasty cake.
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Genoa Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Powdered Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla Extract
Another Italian Christmas cake, this Genoa cake is similar to Pandoro but has a more dense and moist texture. It's made with a combination of dried fruits and nuts and has a beautiful almond glaze on top.
This fruit cake is perfect for those who want a more traditional and simple recipe. Made with just a few ingredients, this cake is easy to make but still packs all the classic flavors of Christmas.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
Last but not least, this classic Christmas cake recipe is a must-try for any fruit cake lover. Packed with all the traditional ingredients and flavors, this cake is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
The Importance of Soaking Fruit in Christmas Cake
Why is soaking fruit necessary in a traditional Christmas cake?
Soaking fruit in alcohol is a common step in making a Christmas cake because it allows the dried fruits to plump up and absorb the flavors of the alcohol, resulting in a moist and flavorful cake. It also helps to preserve the cake, making it last longer and giving it a longer shelf life. However, not everyone is a fan of the strong taste of alcohol or has the time to wait for the fruit to soak. That's where our Christmas cake recipe comes in - it still yields a delicious and moist cake without the need for soaking fruit in alcohol.
What is the alternative to soaking fruit in Christmas cake?
Our alternative method involves simmering the dried fruits in a mixture of water and fruit juice for a short period of time. This allows the fruits to absorb the liquid and become plump and flavorful, without the addition of alcohol. Fruit juice also adds a subtle sweetness to the cake, making it perfect for those who prefer a less boozy flavor. Additionally, this method reduces the preparation time, making it ideal for those who want to whip up a Christmas cake in a shorter amount of time.
Our Christmas Cake Recipe Without Soaking Fruit
Ingredients:
1 cup dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, apricots, cranberries)
1/2 cup fruit juice (such as orange juice or apple juice)
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, combine the dried fruits, fruit juice, and water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the cooled fruit mixture until well combined.
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and pour the batter into it. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy Your Non-Traditional Yet Delicious Christmas Cake
As you can see, our Christmas cake recipe without soaking fruit is a simple and easy alternative that still yields a moist and flavorful cake. Give it a try this holiday season and impress your friends and family with this non-traditional yet delicious treat. So go ahead and ditch the alcohol and try our alcohol-free Christmas cake recipe - we guarantee you won't be disappointed!