Irish Christmas Cake Recipe

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: My beloved Irish Christmas Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt holiday tradition that fills the season with warmth and tradition. Packed with dried fruits, spices, and a hint of whiskey, this festive treat deepens in flavor over time, making every bite more special.

• Rich & Flavorful: Packed with soaked dried fruits, spices, and whiskey, offering a deep, indulgent taste.
• Traditional Irish Touch: Embrace the tradition of making and feeding the cake for weeks, adding to its authentic charm.
• Perfect for Gifting & Sharing: A festive centerpiece that’s ideal for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Gets Better Over Time: Prepare in advance, and watch the flavors develop as it ages beautifully up to Christmas Day.

Part of the tradition of making Christmas Cakes is to make a wish when storing the ingredients together. I have very clear memories of mixing the big Mason & Cash bowl in the kitchen with my mum. We would line up to make a wish. There is a lot of nostalgia wrapped up in this cake for me which is the reason I enjoy it so much. After making this cake for many years I will advise to give the fruit enough time to soak, a minimum of 10 hours. It will improve the cake’s overall flavor and also color.

If you’re looking for more delightful Irish recipes to elevate your holiday celebrations, consider trying my Traditional Mince Pies, which bring a delightful mix of spiced fruits encased in a buttery pastry, perfect for sharing. For a truly warming experience, try my Mum’s Christmas Pudding, a rich and comforting dessert that captures the essence of holiday celebrations. And don’t miss out on the Traditional Irish Brown Soda Bread, a staple that pairs wonderfully with the season’s hearty meals. And check out my Irish Apple Cake—a delightful blend of sweet apples and warm spices that embodies the spirit of the season.

I’m proud to say there’s a connection to the much-loved O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey used in this Christmas cake recipe and in this lovely O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey Cake. My cousin, Michael J. Stafford is the managing director of Stafford Bonded in my hometown of Wexford, Ireland. Michael carried on the family business created by our grandfather (James Stafford) and also our fathers (George Stafford Snr and Michael Stafford Snr). Michael has chronicled the history of the Stafford family in Wexford beautifully on the Stafford Bonded website. O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey is inspired by Diarmuid O’Driscoll, Michael’s other grandfather, a true inspiration and a great storyteller who recently passed away at 104. You will understand the inspiration when you hear Diarmuid talk of the O’Driscoll family.

Bold Bakers Loved This!

“I made this in October. Fed it as directed. It is an awesome fruitcake! Baked up beautifully! I’ve given portions to friends to enjoy over Christmas! This will be my go to fruitcake recipe going forward. — Corinne

“I made the Fruit Cake today. This was by far the best fruit cake I have ever made. My husband does not like almonds.But he loved this cake with the changes.I have now the perfect recipe for fruit Cake . Thank you for this recipe.” — Johnne H.

“LOVED this recipe Gemma. Thanks for sharing. Went down a treat. My fruit never sunk to the bottom as it usually does! Very tasty, very moist & I was asked to make it again = success” — Carol

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was updated and improved on 10/15/2024, to include NEW STEP-BY-STEP photography, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make-ahead and storage instructions, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips.

Table of Contents

• What is an Irish Christmas Cake?
• Tools You Need
• Key Ingredients and Substitutes
• How to Make an Irish Christmas Cake
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make Ahead &Storage Instructions
• What’s in mixed spice? What’s the difference between mixed spice and allspice?
• What can I use instead of whiskey to make an alcohol-free Christmas Cake?
• FAQs
• More Irish Recipes

What is an Irish Christmas Cake?

Irish Christmas Cake is a rich, dense fruitcake traditionally enjoyed during the festive season in Ireland, made with soaked dried fruits, nuts, and spices. This delightful cake often features whiskey or brandy for added flavor, enhancing its festive appeal. It’s sliced into thin pieces and enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

• Rich & Flavorful: Infused with a variety of dried fruits, warm spices, and a hint of alcohol, giving it a deep, indulgent taste.
• Traditional Preparation: Typically made weeks in advance with the tradition of feeding the cake alcohol over time, as early as October to allow the flavors to mature. The longer you let it sit, the better it gets in taste and texture.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Often served at holiday gatherings, it serves as a beautiful centerpiece and makes for an ideal homemade gift.

This recipe is from my Aunty Rosaleen who is a fantastic baker. She kindly shared it with me and I’m sharing it with you.

Tools You Need

• 10-inch cake tin
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring jugs
• Mixing bowls
• Knife
• Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Skewer
• Aluminum foil

Key Ingredients and Substitutes

Dried Fruits (Raisins, Glace Cherries)

• Provides sweetness, moisture, and rich flavor, contributing to the cake’s texture.
• Substitutes: Dried apricots, cranberries, dates, figs, prunes, pineapple, cherries, mangos will work well, too.

Candied Peel

• Adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, enhancing the festive aspect of the cake.
• Substitutes: Make Candies Peels using my recipe for result! Or finely chopped dried apricots or other dried fruits for a similar texture.

Orange and Lemon Zest

• Infuses freshness and a bright citrus flavor, balancing the richness of the cake.
• Substitutes: Lemon or orange extract for a concentrated flavor.

O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey

• Provides moisture and a distinctive flavor, enhancing richness and acting as a preservative.
• Substitutes: Apple juice or orange juice for a non-alcoholic option, or vanilla extract mixed with water.

All-Purpose Flour

• Aka “plain flour”, serves as the main structure, providing stability and texture to the cake.
• Substitutes: Use Gluten-free flour blends or  Easy Almond Flour Baking Mix,  though this may alter density.almond flour for a nutty flavor,

Mixed Spice and Ground Nutmeg

• Mixed spice is a ground spice blend of allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cloves, coriander, and ginger.
• Adds warmth and depth, with typical spices enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Substitutes: Pumpkin pie spice or a blend of cinnamon and ginger.

Butter

• Contributes to the cake’s richness and moisture, creating a tender texture.
• Substitutes: Margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan version.

Muscovado Sugar (or Dark Brown Sugar)

• Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness and adds moisture to the cake.
• Substitutes: Light brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.

Eggs

• Acts as a binder, providing structure and moisture while helping the cake rise.
• Substitutes: Flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce for a vegan alternative.

Chopped or Sliced Almonds

• Adds crunch and nuttiness, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
• Substitutes: You can also use walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, cashews, pistachios, other nut(s) of your choice, or a mix of different types of nuts. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.

How to Make Irish Christmas Cake

The Night Before

1. Pre the fruit mixture: Steep the raisins, candied peel, orange zest and lemon zest in O’Driscolls Irish Whiskey (or apple juice/orange juice*). Allow to sit covered overnight at room temperature. This lets the fruit plump up and all the flavors macerate.

The Next Day

Prep:

2. Preheat the oven to 280°F (140°C). Butter and line a 10-inches baking pan and set aside.

Make the Christmas Cake:

3. Rinse the cherries off then pat with a paper towel to absorb any excess liquid.  Quarter the cherries then lightly toss in flour (this will keep the cherries from sinking to the bottom of the cake while baking). Set aside.

4. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl combine the flour and spices, set aside.
5. Cream butter and sugar: Cream together the butter and sugar on HIGH speed until pale and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Add eggs: Add in the eggs one at a time then fold in the dry ingredients.
7. Fold in the boozy fruit mix, chopped almonds, and cherries. At this point traditionally you make a wish while you stir. As kids my Mum always allowed us do this.
8. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.

Bake the cake:

9. Bake on the middle shelf for 1 hour, then reduce the temperature to 240°F (120°C) and continue to bake for about 2 – 2 ½ hours (Monitor carefully in the last 30 minutes or so, your oven might be a little hotter than mine)

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

1. If preferred, toast the nuts before adding them to the cake batter to enhance flavors.
2. Flax eggs from my Egg Substitute Chart will work the best in this Christmas Cake because they bind ingredients well and retain moisture well.
3. Use vegan-baking butter and plant-based milk of your choice for the best result. You can use margarine but the result can be different in taste and texture.
4. You can use brandy or rum in place of whiskey. Sherry will also give a Christmas cake booze.
5. Royal icing is typically used to cover the cake, giving it a smooth and decorative finish. Check out details in my Bold Baking Basic: Simple And Beautiful Christmas Cake Decorating.
6. I do not recommend making it in a microwave.
   1) You can easily overcook it in the microwave and dry it out.
   2) Microwave cooking typically doesn’t allow for the long, slow cooking time that a Christmas cake needs to develop its complex flavors.
7. For fan-assisted ovens, you can reduce the baking temperature by 25°F /10°C. Bake your cake in the middle rack with the bottom heating only. Baking time should be more or less the same.
8. To avoid the soaked fruits from sinking to the bottom:
   1) Before adding the soaked fruits to the cake batter, make sure they are well-coated with flour. This helps to create a barrier that can slow down the sinking process.
   2) Cut the soaked fruits into smaller pieces which are less likely to sink as quickly as larger ones.
   3) Gently folding the fruits into the cake batter helps distribute the fruits more evenly, reducing the chances of them sinking.
   4) Alternatively, layer your cake batter and soaked fruits until all the ingredients are used. This can also help distribute the fruits more evenly.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make-Ahead Instructions:

• Prepare in Advance: You can make the Irish Christmas Cake well in advance, ideally several weeks before Christmas. This allows the flavors to mature and deepen.
• Feeding the Cake: To enhance the cake’s moisture and flavor, feed it with a little whiskey or brandy every week after baking. This keeps it rich and festive.

Storage Instructions:

• Cool and Wrap: Once baked, let the cake cool completely. Wrap it tightly in parchment paper and then in aluminum foil to prevent air exposure.
• Store in a Cool Place: Keep the wrapped cake in a tin or airtight container in a cool, dark place (up to 24°C/76°F) for up to 6 months, like a pantry or cupboard. In a very warm climate with high humidity, refrigerate it.
• Check Regularly: Unwrap the cake periodically to check for moisture and refeed it with whiskey or brandy if needed.

What’s in mixed spice? What’s the difference between mixed spice and allspice?

“Mixed spice” usually contains all spice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground mace, ground cloves, ground coriander, and ground ginger. Check out my Homemade Mixed Spice Recipe for the exact measurement and ratio.

What can I use instead of whiskey to make an alcohol-free Christmas Cake?

• To make the Christmas cake alcohol-free, add about 1 tablespoon (15ml) of orange juice, apple juice, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar (the one with the mother) to the cake mix to help ferment the fruit and develop flavors.
• Without alcohol as a preservative, do not make it more than 1 month ahead of serving. In a very warm climate with high humidity, refrigerate it.

FAQs

What can I use instead of nuts in Christmas Cake if I have a nut allergy?

You can use seeds, shredded coconut, rolled oats, chocolate chips, graham crackers, or crushed cookies.

What are raisins, currants, sultanas and what are their differences?

• Raisins are from different variations of grapes dried for around 3 weeks in a dark brownish color.
• Currants are dried from a variety of small, seedless grapes called “Black Corinth” and “Carina.”
• Sultanas/golden raisins are dried from green seedless grapes and are typically coated in an oil-based solution before drying to speed up the process to have a lighter golden color.

What kind of icing is used on an Irish Christmas Cake?

Royal icing is typically used to cover the cake, giving it a smooth and decorative finish. Check out details in my Bold Baking Basic: Simple And Beautiful Christmas Cake Decorating.

Do Irish Christmas Cakes have a special design or decoration?

• The traditional way to decorate a Christmas Cake has three layers, namely apricot jam for holding the marzipan layer, marzipan adding unmistakable almond flavor and lovely texture, and royal icing coating the outside of the Christmas Cake and resembling a snowy winter wonderland.
• It will be topped with fondant Christmas-themed designs like holly leaves, berries, or stars.
• Be sure to check out my Simple And Beautiful Christmas Cake Decorating for Pro Tips.

How can I bake this Irish Christmas Cake Recipe in a smaller size pan?

• For baking the Christmas cake batter in 2 or 3 (6-inch/18cm) pans with each up to ¾ way full, it will bake as follows: Bake for 45 mins at 280°F (140°C) then turn the oven down to 240°F (120°C) and cook for 1 hr more or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
  2) For baking the Christmas cake batter in standard-size cupcake pans, bake them at 300°F(150°) for roughly 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.

Why isn’t there raising agent baking powder or baking soda in this cake?

This cake is very traditional and its nature is to be heavy and dense. As kids we hated it but as an adult I love it.

What is the best way to store an Irish Christmas Cake to prevent it from drying out?

• Cool the cake completely after baking which might take a few hours.
• Wrap in parchment paper and followed by aluminum foil. The parchment paper helps prevent the aluminum foil from directly contacting and reacting to the cake.
• Place in an airtight container.
• Store in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture.
• Feed the Christmas Cake every one or two weeks with a small amount of alcohol (e.g., whiskey or brandy) before resealing the container. This helps preserve the cake and keep it moist.
• Keep for several weeks: Properly stored, an Irish Christmas Cake can last for several weeks to up to a year.

Is Irish Christmas Cake the same as Christmas pudding?

No, Irish Christmas Cake and Christmas pudding are not the same.

Irish Christmas Cake:

• Irish Christmas Cake, also known as Christmas fruitcake or plum cake, is a baked cake filled with dried fruits, nuts, spices, and often soaked in alcohol (typically whiskey) for weeks before baking.
• The cake is typically round, like a regular cake, and is often covered with a layer of marzipan and royal icing. It can be decorated with festive designs. It is usually served in thin slices, similar to a traditional cake, and is enjoyed with a cup of tea or a glass of Irish whiskey.

Christmas pudding:

• Christmas pudding also known as plum pudding, is a steamed or boiled dessert that is dense and moist, filled with dried fruits, suet, spices, and breadcrumbs.
• It is traditionally prepared in a spherical shape.
• Christmas pudding is typically served hot. It is commonly accompanied by Traditional Irish Brandy Butter, custard, whipped cream, or ice cream.

More Irish Recipes

• Traditional Irish Mince Pies Recipe
• Authentic Irish Apple Amber Pie
• Irish Sausage Roll Recipe
• Traditional Irish Brandy Butter
• My Mum’s Irish Apple Cake

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was updated and improved on 10/15/2024, to include NEW STEP-BY-STEP photography, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make-ahead and storage instructions, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and Pro Chef Tips.

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