Welcome to Linda's cookbook!!
Get ready to whip up a delicious and festive treat this holiday season! Today, we're making an alcohol-free quick and easy fruit cake that’s perfect for Christmas. Whether you’re short on time or looking for a family-friendly recipe, this moist and flavourful fruit cake is a showstopper that everyone can enjoy. Packed with rich, fruity goodness and holiday spices, it’s simple to make and guaranteed to fill your home with the magic of Christmas. So, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s bake something special together!
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Ingredients
For the Fruit Mixture:
• 2 cups (300g) mixed dried fruits (golden and black seedless raisins, chopped apricots, chopped dates etc.)
• 2 tbsp(120ml) caramel syrup or molasses
• ¾ cup orange juice (or apple juice)
• ¾ cup (100g) brown sugar
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter(sorry by mistake i wrote 1/2 cup butter on screen )
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tbsp zest of orange +lemon
• 1 pinch salt
For the Cake Batter:
• 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup candied fruits of your choice ( cherries, tutti fruity, plum)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• ½ -1cup (50g) chopped nuts (optional, like walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• ¾ teaspoon grounded cinnamon
• ¾ teaspoon grounded ginger
• ¼ teaspoon grounded nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon grounded clove
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 2 tablespoon zest of orange and lemon
For Brushing
• 2 tablespoon of mixed fruit jam
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
*Cake tin 8*3 inch * Bake in preheated (10 minutes) 140 degree for 70-75 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Boiled Fruit Mixture
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the dried fruits, water, orange juice, brown sugar, butter, Caramel syrup or molasses ,grounded ginger ,orange zest and a pinch of salt.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the mixture begins to boil.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes to soften the fruits , thickened mixture and meld the Flavors.
4. Remove the pan from heat and stir and transfer to a bowl. Let the mixture cool and the refrigerate in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (140C). Grease and line a 8*3 inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, grounded cinnamon, ginger, clove ,nutmeg and salt.
3. Once the fruit mixture is cool, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the beaten eggs to the vegetable oil and beat together.
5. Add it to the fruit mixture and mix until combined.
6. Add the candied fruits and nuts .Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, until just incorporated.
7. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, until just incorporated.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for 70- 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4:Brush the Cake
1. Add 2 tablespoon of mixed fruit jam in a heated pan. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice stir it until the syrup start boil . Cool it and brush on the top and sides of the cake.
Step 5:
Wrap the cake in a foil and put in an airtight container for 48 hours .After 48hrs slice the intensely flavoured super moist cake and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea with your loved ones . This is a super easiest special cake for Christmas season please do try it out!!

Thank you for joining me here at Linda’s Cookbook. This delightful cake is proof that holiday baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious! It’s moist, flavourful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether it’s for a Christmas dessert table or a cozy tea-time treat, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to like this video, share it with your friends, and subscribe for more easy and festive recipes. Wishing you a joyful and delicious holiday season-happy baking! 🎄🍰