This moist, flavorful fruit cake is perfect for the holidays! Infused with orange juice, warm spices, and sweet dried fruits, it’s a delightful treat that captures the essence of Christmas. Egg-free and easy to make, this cake is ideal for gifting or sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (e.g., raisins, currants, chopped apricots, cranberries)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g., walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, combine orange juice, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and nuts (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed.
5. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy, or wrap tightly for gifting!
Tips for Success
- Soak the Fruits: For extra flavor, soak the dried fruits in orange juice for 1–2 hours before mixing them into the batter.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a more robust flavor.
- Storage: Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap or foil to retain moisture. It tastes even better the next day!
Variations
- Glaze It: Drizzle the cooled cake with a simple orange glaze (mix powdered sugar and orange juice) for a festive touch.
- Alcohol-Infused: Replace some of the orange juice with rum or brandy for a more traditional fruit cake flavor.
- Nut-Free: Skip the nuts and add more dried fruits for a nut-free version.
Conclusion
This Eggless Christmas Fruit Cake is the perfect combination of holiday flavors and simplicity. Its moist texture and warm spices make it a must-have for any Christmas gathering. Whether you're making it for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, this cake will surely spread holiday cheer!