Easy Christmas cake recipe

This easy Christmas cake will make up to 21 servings and is under 320 calories a slice.

This Christmas cake recipe only has four steps in the method and can be baked three months before the big day so there’s no need for last-minute stress. You can eat the cake without decorations but we have lots of design inspiration for you to browse if you choose to top it with marzipan and icing.

Ingredients

• 3 large eggs
• 300g (10oz) plain flour
• 250g (8oz) butter, softened
• 250g (8oz) light muscovado sugar
• 1 tbsp ground mixed spice
• Pinch of salt
• 410g jar of mincemeat
• 500g (1lb) dried mixed fruit
• 4 tbsp brandy

Method

1. Heat the oven to 140C (120C fan, Gas 1). Grease and line a 20cm (8in) round or 18cm (7in) square cake tin.
2. Break the eggs into a bowl, beat them lightly, and then stir in the flour, butter, sugar, mixed spice, mincemeat and dried mixed fruit. Add a pinch of salt and then transfer to the cake tin. With a wet hand, press the mixture into the tin and smooth on top, so that it's level.
3. Bake the cake in the centre of the oven for 3 - 3.5 hours.
4. Remove the cake from the oven and place the tin on a wire rack. Leave the cake to cool for about 15 minutes, then spoon over the brandy. Leave it to cool completely in the tin.
5. Remove the cake from the tin and peel away the lining paper. Wrap it in clean baking parchment and then foil, and store in a cool place for up to 3 months, until ready to cover with icing and decorate.

Watch how to make this easy Christmas cake

Top tips for making this easy Christmas cake recipe

You can freeze the cake as soon as it is cooled if you’d prefer. Wrap it tightly in cling film and then defrost the night before you want to decorate it. 

This cake has an all-in-one method so it's important to choose a bowl that is big enough to combine all the ingredients. 

Mason Cash Ceramic Mixing Bowl, 4L, Green - View at John Lewis

The bowl is made from a chip-resistant material and is heavy enough to not wobble around too much when you’re mixing big batches of dough or cake batter. The pattern on the exterior is also useful for helping you grip the bowl and we love the pale green colour.

If you have more time, consider making Mary Berry’s fruit cake. It takes a little longer to bake but the flavours will be worth it. We have loads of Christmas cake decorations you can explore if you decide to cover the cake with marzipan and icing. If you've never iced a cake before, read this guide on how to cover a cake with marzipan. We particularly love this Christmas tree cake design. We also have a guide on how to cook a Christmas cake in an air fryer.