Festive Rich & Fruity Christmas Cake

Introduction:
This traditional Christmas Cake is loaded with dried fruits, warm spices, and a touch of brandy or apple juice, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Moist, rich, and flavorful, this cake is made even more festive when decorated with marzipan, fondant, and cherries. Whether enjoyed plain or with a drizzle of custard, it’s a holiday classic everyone will love.

Ingredients:
For the Cake:

300g raisins

150g diced dried apricots

75g mixed peel

150g glace cherries

180g dates

1 cup + 2 tbsp apple juice (or 1/3 cup brandy + 2/3 cup apple juice)

120g unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3 tbsp molasses or golden syrup

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp allspice

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

3 large eggs

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 2/3 cups plain flour

3/4 cup walnuts, chopped

Optional for Decoration:

500ml pouring custard

250g marzipan

250g white fondant

Cherries (for decoration)

How to Make:
Soak the Fruit: