Table of Contents: Traditional Gluten-Free Christmas Cake
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
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

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
- 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
- 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
- Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a 20cm round cake tin with parchment paper.
- 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.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift in gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, spices, and baking powder. Mix to combine.
- Fold in ground almonds, citrus zests, soaked fruits, and nuts if using.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the top.
- Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until a skewer comes out clean. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- Allow to cool in the tin for 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- 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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