Hey, fellow food enthusiasts! ‘Tis the season for indulgence without the guilt, and I’ve got just the treat to make your holidays healthier and happier. Presenting my Healthy Christmas Fruit Cake – a symphony of festive flavors, gluten-free goodness, and a dash of nutty delight. Packed with wholesome ingredients and the spirit of the season, this cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on your plate. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into the magic of holiday baking!
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To kick off this culinary journey, we start with a medley of mixed dried fruits – think raisins, cranberries, apricots, dates, and prunes – creating a vibrant tapestry of flavors. After a cozy soak in hot water, they mingle with almond meal, coconut flour, and a aromatic blend of spices, courtesy of ground cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Add in the zesty magic of an orange, a handful of walnuts, and we’ve got the base of a Christmas masterpiece.
In a separate bowl, our wet dream team comes to life – eggs, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a touch of Amaretto liqueur (or orange juice for a non-alcoholic twist). This dream team meets the dry ingredients, and the result? A thick, rich cake batter that’s about to get even better.
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What you’ll need
P.S. For exact measurements see the recipe card below.
For the Cake:
- Mixed dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries, apricots, dates, prunes), chopped
- Almond meal
- Coconut flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cloves, Ground ginger, Ground nutmeg, Ground cinnamon
- Orange, zest & juice
- Walnuts , chopped
- Eggs
- Coconut oil, melted
- Vanilla extract
- Amaretto liqueur (or use orange juice)
For Glaze:
- Honey
- Amaretto liqueur (or use orange juice)
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What you’ll need to do
P.S. For exact instructions see the recipe card below.
Prep the Fruits: Place the mixed dried fruits in a large bowl and cover them with boiling water. Allow them to soak for 10-15 minutes to soften. Drain the fruits in a sieve and let them cool to room temperature.
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line an 8” (20cm) cake tin with baking paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine almond meal, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, and the festive spices. Toss in the orange zest and chopped walnuts for that extra kick.
Prepare the Wet Team: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, orange juice, and Amaretto liqueur.
Combine the Forces: Fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until a thick cake batter forms. Add the drained fruits, ensuring a well-combined, festive fusion.
Bake and Glaze: Transfer the batter into the prepared tin, gently pressing it down. Bake for 60-70 minutes until the top is well-browned and a skewer comes out clean. While hot, glaze the top with a mixture of runny honey and Amaretto liqueur.
Cool and Store: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Possible Substitutions and Additions:
Fruit Variations: Experiment with your favorite dried fruits such as figs, cherries, or currants.
Nutty Twist: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a personalized touch.
Liquid Alternatives: Substitute Amaretto liqueur with rum or opt for orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
Gluten-Free Flour Options: If coconut flour is not your go-to, try almond flour or gluten-free oat flour.
Tips and Tricks:
Soaking the fruits: Don’t rush this step; allowing the fruits to soak adequately enhances their plumpness and infuses the cake with moisture.
Checking for Doneness: Insert a skewer into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet.
Glazing Technique: Heat the honey slightly for better drizzling consistency, and apply the glaze while the cake is still warm for optimal absorption.
Creative Decor: Sprinkle a handful of chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a festive finishing touch.
As it cools, the aroma of the holidays fills your kitchen, promising a slice of festive joy with every bite. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan-friendly, and bursting with nutrients, this Healthy Christmas Fruit Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a gift to yourself. So, let it cool, slice it up, and share the holiday magic. May your season be merry, your kitchen be warm, and your taste buds be forever grateful. Happy baking! 🎄🍰
Follow the detailed instructions with exact ingredients measurements mentioned below in the recipe card. Also if you like this recipe, leave a comment and follow us on Pinterest, here.
Healthy Christmas Fruit Cake
Kitchen magic alert! Dive into our Festive Delight: Nutty & Gluten-Free Christmas Fruit Cake. 🧁🎅 Homemade treats, easy baking, and a sprinkle of holiday joy. Let the festive baking begin!
Ingredients
For the cake
For the glaze
Instructions
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Place the dried fruit into a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Soak for 10-15 minutes to soften the fruit, then place the fruit into a sieve to drain and allow to cool to room temperature.
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Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 8” (20cm) cake tin with baking paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond meal, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Add the orange zest and walnuts.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, orange juice and Amaretto liqueur.
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Fold the wet ingredients into the dry stirring gently to form a very thick cake batter. Now add the drained fruit into the cake batter and stir with a spoon until well combined.
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Transfer the cake batter into the earlier prepared tin and gently press down with your fingers.
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Place the tin into the hot oven and bake the cake for 60-70 minutes, until the top is well browned and a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
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To glaze the cake, heat up the honey so it’s really runny, mix with the Amaretto and then brush over the top of the cake while it is still hot.
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Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 30 minutes and then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
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Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Servings 16
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 228kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Total Carbohydrate 26g9%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Protein 6g12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
