introduction

This cake feels warm and home made. It uses cold butter, eggs, dry fruit and nuts. I write this in a plain way so you can cook with ease. If you like nut cakes, see a simple almond cake for more easy ideas.

why make this recipe

You make this cake for a strong fruit taste and soft crumb. It fits a family table and a gift. You can cook it slow and enjoy the smell. For other soft nut cakes, try this almond ricotta cake to learn more small steps.

how to make Delicious Christmas Cake Recipe in the Style of Jamie Oliver

I keep the steps clear and small. Read all parts first. Warm your oven and get a large bowl. If you want wet fruit, soak it the night before. For a long bake time, use a low oven and check with a skewer. For another cake method, you can look at a tres leches cake recipe to see a different soak and bake idea.

Ingredients :

300 g Mixed Dried Fruits (Use raisins, sultanas, or cherries as alternatives.)
150 g Nuts (e.g., almonds or walnuts; can swap for pecans.)
1 teaspoon Spices (e.g., cinnamon, nutmeg; adjust or replace with spice mix.)
250 g Butter (Unsalted butter recommended; margarine as a dairy-free option.)
3 large Eggs (Ensure they are at room temperature.)
200 g Flour (All-purpose or gluten-free flour.)
200 g Brown Sugar (Can replace with coconut sugar.)
1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Ensure it’s fresh.)
100 g Apricot Jam (Heat gently and brush over the cooled cake.)

Directions :

Cake Preparation

Heat oven to 160°C fan / 180°C / 350°F. Grease and line a deep 20 cm (8 in) cake tin.
Put the mixed dried fruit and nuts in a bowl. Stir in the spice. If you like, pour 2–3 tbsp warm water or juice and leave for 30 min.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until pale and soft. Add eggs one at a time. Beat well after each egg.
Fold in the flour and baking powder with a spoon. Do not beat hard. Add the fruit and nuts. Mix till even.
Pour the mix into the tin. Level the top with a spoon. Tap the tin on the counter to remove big air holes.
Bake for 60–90 minutes. A skewer should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too fast, cover with foil.
Let the cake cool in the tin for 15 minutes. Turn out and cool on a rack.
Warm the apricot jam and brush it on the warm top to give shine and taste. Let the cake rest before you cut it.

how to serve Delicious Christmas Cake Recipe in the Style of Jamie Oliver

Cut the cake in small slices. Serve with a cup of tea or a spoon of cream. You can also serve a scoop of ice cream or a slice of citrus. For a rich match, see ideas like a chocolate caramel ice cream cake to pair cold and warm treats.

how to store Delicious Christmas Cake Recipe in the Style of Jamie Oliver

Wrap the cool cake in foil or place it in an airtight box. Keep it at room temp for up to 5 days. For a longer keep, place it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. To freeze, cut slices and wrap each slice tight. Thaw in the fridge or at room temp.

tips to make Delicious Christmas Cake Recipe in the Style of Jamie Oliver

Use room temp eggs and butter for a smooth mix.
Do not over mix once you add flour. Fold with a gentle hand.
Test the cake with a skewer near the center. If it still has raw mix, bake 10 more minutes.
Warm the jam thin with a little water to brush smoothly.
For more cake tips, try a fun idea from a chocolate peanut butter cake roulade to learn roll and fill tricks.

variation (if any)

Make it dairy free by using margarine.
Use different nuts like pecans or hazelnuts.
Add orange zest or a splash of brandy to the fruit for more depth.
For a lighter cake, cut sugar by 20 g and add a little more fruit juice.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh fruit?
A: Fresh fruit adds water and can change bake time. If you use soft fruit, fold in gently and expect a longer bake.

Q: Can I make this gluten free?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix and the same bake time. Test with a skewer.

Q: How long does the cake keep its taste?
A: The cake stays good for days. Wrapped well, it keeps taste for about one week at room temp and two weeks in the fridge.

Q: Can I use a different jam?
A: Yes. Apricot gives a mild shine. You can use orange or peach jam too.

Conclusion

This cake gives warm spice, fruit, and a soft bite. It works for a family day or a small gift. For a full Jamie Oliver version and more notes, see Jamie Oliver’s Christmas cake page.