✨ Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake Recipe | Holiday Baking Made Easy πŸŽ„

Table of Contents: Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

Imagine a rich, moist, and aromatic fruit cake that not only tastes divine but also fits seamlessly into your gluten-free lifestyle. This Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table, crafted to delight family and friends while accommodating dietary needs. Whether you’re celiac or simply exploring festive gluten-free baking, this recipe will become a cherished holiday tradition.


Introduction: Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

The holiday season is a time for indulgence, tradition, and shared meals. However, for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, finding the perfect festive treat can be challenging. Enter this Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake—a masterpiece that combines the rich flavors of a classic fruit cake with the dietary inclusivity of gluten-free baking.

This cake is packed with dried fruits, almonds, and warm spices, soaked in brandy for a deep, luxurious flavor. It’s a labor of love that’s worth every minute, especially when you see the joy it brings to your loved ones. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, New Year’s celebrations, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe ensures no one misses out on the festive fun.


Alternate Names & Variations

This recipe is also known as a gluten-free fruit cake, festive gluten-free baking, or holiday celiac recipes. If you’re looking for variations, consider swapping Medjool dates for dried apricots or using rum instead of brandy for a different twist.


Ingredients: Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

For the Cake:

– 2 3/4 cups currants
– 2 1/4 cups sultanas
– 1 1/4 cups Medjool dates (9 dates, stoned and diced)
– 1/3 cup glacé cherries
– 1/2 cup mixed peel
– 1/2 cup brandy + 2 tablespoons for feeding
– 1 1/3 cups almond flour (ground almonds in the UK)
– 1 1/4 cups gluten-free flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
– 1 1/4 cups dark soft brown sugar
– 5 medium eggs
– 1/2 cup whole almonds (chopped, skin on is fine)
– 2 tablespoons black treacle
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon

For the Icing:

– 35 oz marzipan
– 35 oz ready-to-roll white fondant icing
– 3 tablespoons apricot jam

For the Frosted Redcurrants and Rosemary:

– 1 cup redcurrants (still on their stalks)
– 3 sprigs rosemary
– 1 egg white
– 1 cup caster sugar


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Soak the Fruits: Combine currants, sultanas, dates, glacé cherries, mixed peel, and brandy in a large bowl. Cover and let soak overnight for maximum flavor.

2. Prepare the Batter: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 9-inch cake tin with parchment paper. In a separate bowl, mix almond flour, gluten-free flour, salt, nutmeg, mixed spice, and cinnamon.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Combine Ingredients: Fold the soaked fruits, chopped almonds, black treacle, orange zest, and lemon zest into the batter. Gently mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Feed the Cake: Once cooled, poke holes in the cake and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of brandy. Wrap in parchment paper and foil, and store in an airtight container.

7. Decorate: Roll out marzipan and fondant icing to cover the cake. Brush apricot jam on the cake before applying the marzipan for a smooth finish.

8. Add Frosted Garnish: Dip redcurrants and rosemary sprigs in egg white, coat with caster sugar, and let dry. Use these to decorate the cake.


Recipe Card Block

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3.5 hours | Servings: 12 | Calories: 450 per slice


Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake is a triumph of texture and flavor. The almond flour adds moisture, while the combination of spices and brandy-soaked fruits creates a complex, festive aroma. For best results, use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to prevent crumbling.


Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store the cake in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months. It freezes beautifully—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.


People Also Ask: Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake
Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

How far in advance should I make a gluten-free Christmas cake?

Ideally, make the cake 4–6 weeks before Christmas to allow the flavors to develop. Feed it with brandy weekly for a richer taste.

What is the best gluten-free flour for a fruit cake?

A blend of almond flour and a gluten-free flour mix works best. Almond flour adds moisture, while the blend ensures a sturdy texture.

How do you keep a gluten-free fruit cake from crumbling?

Using almond flour and binding ingredients like eggs and treacle helps maintain the cake’s structure. Avoid overmixing the batter.

Can you soak gluten-free Christmas cake in brandy?

Yes, soaking enhances the flavor. Poke holes in the cake and drizzle brandy over it weekly for a moist, boozy cake.


Conclusion: Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

This Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of inclusivity, tradition, and culinary artistry. Share it with loved ones, gift it to friends, or enjoy it as a personal indulgence. Don’t forget to share your baking journey with us in the comments below!


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Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 1 cake (serves 12) 1x

Description

A rich, moist and festive Christmas cake made gluten-free, packed with dried fruits, warm spices, and a touch of brandy – perfect for holiday celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 250g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)
  • 100g chopped dried apricots
  • 75g chopped glace cherries
  • 100ml brandy or orange juice
  • 200g unsalted butter, softened
  • 200g soft brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 225g gluten-free plain flour blend
  • 1 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp baking powder (gluten-free)
  • 50g ground almonds
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 50g chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a 20cm round cake tin with parchment paper.
  2. Place dried fruits, apricots, and cherries in a bowl. Pour over brandy or orange juice and let soak overnight or microwave for 2 minutes to plump.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Sift in gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, spices, and baking powder. Mix to combine.
  6. Fold in ground almonds, citrus zests, soaked fruits, and nuts if using.
  7. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until a skewer comes out clean. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Allow to cool in the tin for 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  10. Wrap in parchment and foil to store. Optionally, feed with a little brandy weekly until Christmas.

Notes

Make ahead and store for a richer flavor. Decorate with marzipan and icing closer to serving.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: gluten-free, christmas cake, holiday dessert, fruit cake

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