It might come as a surprise to some that we’re talking about Christmas already when Halloween is just around the corner, but demand for Christmas cakes is already rocketing! Christmas cake, the crowning glory of festive desserts, is stuffed with fruit, spiced to perfection and laced with boozy concoctions that only taste better with time.
So why not get ahead for Christmas and start your soaking as soon as possible? If the classic recipe isn’t your thing, try one of our fun twists like mini Christmas cupcakes, a tropical mango version or a punchy ginger bake to bring the heat. Watch our video and learn how to ice a cake for a flawless finish.
Is it your first time making Christmas cake? Learn how to make a Christmas cake, then discover how to feed a Christmas cake.
Fill your kitchen with delicious smells and all your favourite Christmas sweets with our ultimate Christmas baking recipes.
1. Classic Christmas cake
Our classic Christmas cake is a firm favourite – with over 500 five-star ratings, you know you’re in good hands. You can bake it up to three months ahead, so by the time summer’s barely waved goodbye, you’ll already be soaking up the Christmas spirit. Who needs the winter blues when there’s cake to feed?
Top it up every couple of weeks with rum, brandy or whisky to build depth and keep it wonderfully moist. If you’re skipping the booze, try a splash of tea, fruit juice or spiced syrup instead. The mix of aromatic spices and plump fruit creates a slice that’s rich, warming and impossible to stop nibbling.
2. Classic everyday fruitcake
For a family-friendly fruitcake, the batter is soaked in fruit juice rather than alcohol. It works really well as an easy Christmas cake, giving you and the kids more time to have fun with decorating it. Get some inspiration for Christmas cake decoration ideas.
3. Buttered rum Christmas cake
Our buttered rum Christmas cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and it only gets better as it keeps. The spiced dark rum goes perfectly with the intense dried fruit, orange zest and apple juice. This ultra-indulgent, full-flavoured cake has the perfect balance of sweetness, fresh citrus flavours and punchy liquor. Try decorating it like our midwinter candle cake or our sparkly bauble cake for a colourful showstopper.
4. Dark & stormy fruit cake
This Christmas cake can be made a couple of months in advance and fed with spiced rum to give it extra depth of flavour and texture. It’s well worth the result.
5. Easy Christmas cake
Make your seasonal kitchen a stress-free zone this year with our easy ‘as-you-like-it’ Christmas cake. Use your choice of dried fruit, nuts, citrus zest and booze (or even tea) and get this simple Christmas cake made up to six months in advance.
6. Air fryer Christmas cake
Short on oven space this Christmas? Our air fryer Christmas cake is the perfect solution. Cook it in the air fryer for about two and a half hours, rotating halfway through for an even bake. Once the top is golden, cover it with foil to prevent it from over-browning. To check if it’s ready, insert a skewer into the centre – it should come out with a few crumbs clinging to it, but not sticky. The result? A beautifully moist, evenly baked cake without battling for oven time.
7. Slow cooker Christmas cake
We all know the tale of the tortoise and the hare – slow and steady wins the race. The same wisdom applies to our slow cooker Christmas cake. Let your slow cooker do the work for up to 10 hours and you’ll be rewarded with a beautifully rich bake packed with plump dried fruit and glossy cherries. It’s an energy-saving twist on a timeless classic – and proof that patience really does pay off.
8. Salted caramel Christmas cake
This beautiful, modern version is laced with chunks of toffee and dates, with a crunchy, nutty topping to boot. It’s perfect for those looking for an extra-sweet finish to their Christmas meal. It will keep in an airtight container for up to two weeks, too.
9. Vegan Christmas cake
No one needs to miss out on festive goodies with our easy vegan Christmas cake. You can create this lip-smacking fruitcake with clever substitutes, like chia seeds and coconut oil in place of eggs and butter. Feed it as you normally would, with a spoonful of rum every week until the big day. Your guests won’t believe it’s all plant-based goodness.
10. Gluten-free Christmas cake
Now everyone at the table can enjoy a slice of Christmas cake, thanks to our dairy-, gluten-, nut- and egg-free recipe. With all the same trademark flavours of the classic, no one will ever guess it’s free-from! This cake will keep in a dry, cool cupboard for up to three months, or in the freezer for up to six months.
Enjoyed these sweet treats? Check out our other Christmas recipes:
Our best ever Christmas cocktails
Christmas cupcake ideas for kids
What’s your favourite Christmas dessert? Leave a comment below.
