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
- 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