Introduction

This is the easiest moist Christmas cake you’ll ever make, delivering a rich, fruity dessert with minimal effort. It’s perfectly tender and packed with festive flavor, ideal for holiday gatherings. For more seasonal treats, try the Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe or the No Bake Peppermint Oreo Truffles Recipe to complete your celebration spread.

Ingredients

This rich, aromatic Festive Holiday Cake fills your kitchen with the warm scents of molasses, spice, and toasted nuts, promising a moist, decadent slice perfect for celebrations.

• 120g (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola, peanut, grapeseed)
• 3 tbsp molasses or golden syrup
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp all spice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 2/3 cups plain flour (all purpose flour)
• 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
• Mixed fruit soaking mixture (typically includes sultanas, raisins, currants soaked in alcohol or juice) – quantity as per chosen soak

Timing

Prep Time	25 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 10 minutes

Context: This Festive Holiday Cake recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients and Pan

Bring all refrigerated ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk to room temperature for about 30–60 minutes before starting. This ensures even mixing and a smoother batter. Grease and flour your cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2 — Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting the dry ingredients helps aerate the flour, which contributes to a lighter Festive Holiday Cake texture.

Step 3 — Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. Scrape down the bowl occasionally to incorporate everything evenly.

Step 4 — Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract or other festive flavorings like almond extract or citrus zest for a holiday aroma.

Step 5 — Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk or buttermilk in two parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.

Step 6 — Divide and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7 — Cool Completely

Let the cakes cool in their pans on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes before turning them out. Allow them to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Step 8 — Frost and Decorate

Once cooled, level the cake layers if needed, then frost with your preferred buttercream or cream cheese frosting. Add festive decorations like sprinkles, edible glitter, or holiday-themed toppers for a cheerful finish.

Step 9 — Slice and Serve

Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the Festive Holiday Cake for clean edges. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate if using perishable frosting.

Festive Holiday Cake Nutrition Facts

Calories	385
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	58g
Fat	16g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	280mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek yogurt for butter — Adds protein and moisture while reducing fat, with a subtle tang that complements the festive spices.
• Almond flour for all-purpose flour — Creates a gluten-free, lower-carb cake with a nutty flavor that enhances the holiday warmth.
• Coconut sugar for refined sugar — Offers a lower glycemic index and caramel-like notes that pair beautifully with seasonal flavors.
• Unsweetened applesauce for oil — Cuts fat and calories while keeping the Festive Holiday Cake moist and adding a hint of natural sweetness.
• Oat milk for whole milk — A dairy-free swap that maintains creaminess without overpowering the cake’s festive character.
• Egg whites for whole eggs — Reduces cholesterol and fat while providing structure, ideal for a lighter texture.
• Reduced-sodium baking powder — Lowers sodium content without affecting leavening, ensuring your Festive Holiday Cake rises perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair slices of this Festive Holiday Cake with a warm mug of spiced chai or rich hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement the cake’s flavors.
• Offer with a selection of festive beverages like mulled wine, eggnog, or sparkling cider for holiday gatherings.
• Accompany with fresh berries, mint sprigs, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant and colorful presentation.
• Cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces for a dessert platter at parties, making it easy for guests to enjoy.
• Present the Festive Holiday Cake on a decorative cake stand with holiday-themed decorations for a festive centerpiece.

For a stunning presentation, garnish your Festive Holiday Cake with edible gold flakes, cranberries, or rosemary sprigs to enhance its holiday appeal and make it the star of any celebration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge. Fix: Let butter, eggs, and milk sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours to ensure proper emulsification and a lighter crumb.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter once flour is added. Fix: Mix just until the flour disappears to avoid developing too much gluten, which results in a tough, dense Festive Holiday Cake.
• Mistake: Incorrectly measuring flour by scooping with the measuring cup. Fix: Spoon flour into the cup and level it off with a knife for an accurate measure, preventing a dry cake.
• Mistake: Opening the oven door frequently during baking. Fix: Resist peeking for at least the first ¾ of baking time to prevent sudden temperature drops that cause sinking.
• Mistake: Frosting a warm cake. Fix: Cool the cake completely on a wire rack so the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off, ensuring a beautiful finish for your Festive Holiday Cake.
• Mistake: Not properly preparing the cake pans. Fix: Grease, flour, and line pans with parchment paper to guarantee easy, clean release after baking.
• Mistake: Using outdated baking powder or soda. Fix: Check expiration dates annually, as old leaveners lose potency and won’t provide the necessary lift.
• Mistake: Rushing the creaming of butter and sugar. Fix: Cream for a full 3–5 minutes until pale and fluffy to incorporate air, which is crucial for a light texture.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Festive Holiday Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm slices in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for food safety.

Always let your Festive Holiday Cake cool completely before storing to maintain freshness and texture.

Conclusion

This Festive Holiday Cake is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this easy, moist fruit cake. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your results, and explore our other holiday favorites like Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe and Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe!

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FAQs

Can I make this Festive Holiday Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the Festive Holiday Cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Frost and decorate the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest presentation.

What are some easy decorating ideas for this cake?

For a simple yet stunning look, use seasonal sprinkles, edible glitter, or fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs. A smooth cream cheese frosting makes the perfect canvas for your decorations, enhancing this Festive Holiday Cake.

Can I substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend for the cake and dairy-free alternatives for butter and milk. Ensure all other ingredients, like eggs, are suitable for your needs to keep your Festive Holiday Cake delicious for everyone.