17+ Delight Christmas Cake Recipes

Let me tell you, Christmas cakes are something truly special. There’s just something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked cake filling the house during the holidays. From rich fruitcakes studded with dried fruits and nuts to light, fluffy sponge cakes layered with cream and festive decorations, every bite brings so much joy. Honestly, baking a Christmas cake feels like creating a little piece of holiday magic that you get to share with everyone you love.

The best part is that you can get creative with flavors—spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, or even chocolate and caramel, make every cake unique and extra delicious. Decorating them with festive touches like icing, sprinkles, or edible ornaments turns your cake into a centerpiece that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Christmas cakes really make the holidays feel warm, cozy, and unforgettable.

Christmas Cake Recipes

Classic Fruitcake

Classic Fruitcake is rich, moist, and packed with dried fruits and nuts. Perfect for holiday gifting, it’s a traditional favorite that brings nostalgia and festive warmth. Honestly, it tastes like Christmas in every bite.
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp cloves
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups mixed dried fruits
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• ½ cup orange juice

Steps to Make Classic Fruitcake

• Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Beat in eggs one at a time.
• Mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
• Fold in dried fruits, nuts, and orange juice.
• Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake 1–1.5 hours.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~320
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 15g
Sugar: 25g
Fiber: 3g
This cake is dense, fruity, and festive.

Apple Cinnamon Christmas Cake

Apple Cinnamon Christmas Cake is moist, spiced, and filled with tender apple chunks. Honestly, it’s warm, comforting, and perfect for cozy holiday mornings.
Ingredients
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup apples, peeled and chopped
• ½ cup milk

Steps to Make Apple Cinnamon Christmas Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one by one.
• Mix in flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices.
• Fold in apples and milk.
• Pour into greased pan, bake 40–45 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~280
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 22g
Fiber: 3g
This cake is sweet, spiced, and perfect for holiday breakfasts.

Carrot Christmas Cake

Carrot Christmas Cake is moist, flavorful, and loaded with shredded carrots and warm spices. Honestly, it’s a classic that everyone loves during the holidays.
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup oil
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups shredded carrots
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• Cream cheese frosting

Steps to Make Carrot Christmas Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
• Combine oil, sugar, and eggs, then add to dry ingredients.
• Fold in carrots and walnuts.
• Pour into greased pan, bake 40–45 minutes.
• Frost with cream cheese frosting after cooling.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~310
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 36g
Fat: 15g
Sugar: 22g
Fiber: 3g
This cake is moist, spiced, and perfect for festive celebrations.

Almond Christmas Cake

Almond Christmas Cake is nutty, moist, and topped with slivered almonds for crunch. Honestly, it’s elegant and perfect for holiday gifting.
Ingredients
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 cup slivered almonds

Steps to Make Almond Christmas Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs gradually.
• Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Fold in milk and almond extract.
• Pour into greased pan, sprinkle slivered almonds on top, bake 35–40 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~300
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 15g
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 3g
This cake is nutty, moist, and festive.

Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake

 

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Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake is rich, chocolaty, and infused with zesty orange flavor. Honestly, it’s indulgent and perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
• 2 cups flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ cup orange juice
• Chocolate frosting

Steps to Make Chocolate Orange Christmas Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, vanilla, and orange zest.
• Alternate adding dry ingredients and orange juice.
• Pour into greased pan, bake 35 minutes.
• Frost with chocolate frosting after cooling.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~320
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 36g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 24g
Fiber: 3g
This cake is chocolaty, zesty, and festive.

Rum Fruit Christmas Cake

 

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Rum Fruit Christmas Cake is rich, boozy, and packed with rum-soaked dried fruits. Honestly, it’s a traditional holiday favorite.
Ingredients
• 2 cups mixed dried fruits
• ½ cup rum
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup chopped nuts

Steps to Make Rum Fruit Christmas Cake

• Soak dried fruits in rum overnight.
• Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs gradually.
• Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Fold in soaked fruits and nuts.
• Pour into greased pan, bake 1–1.5 hours.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~350
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 28g
Fiber: 4g
This cake is moist, fruity, and perfect for adults.

Pistachio Cranberry Cake

Source: Pinterest

Pistachio Cranberry Cake is nutty, tart, and festive with colorful cranberries. Honestly, it’s visually stunning and delicious.
Ingredients
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• ½ cup chopped pistachios
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Steps to Make Pistachio Cranberry Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs gradually.
• Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Fold in milk, vanilla, pistachios, and cranberries.
• Pour into greased pan, bake 35–40 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~310
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 36g
Fat: 15g
Sugar: 22g
Fiber: 3g
This cake is nutty, tart, and festive.

White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

White Chocolate Raspberry Cake is creamy, fruity, and indulgent. Honestly, it’s perfect for making your holiday table elegant.
Ingredients
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup raspberries

Steps to Make White Chocolate Raspberry Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one by one.
• Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Fold in milk, vanilla, white chocolate, and raspberries.
• Pour into greased pan, bake 35–40 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~320
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 24g
Fiber: 3g
This cake is creamy, fruity, and festive.

Gingerbread Christmas Cake

Source: Pinterest

Gingerbread Christmas Cake is warm, spiced, and perfect for holiday gatherings. Honestly, it fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses.
Ingredients
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp cloves
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 cup hot water

Steps to Make Gingerbread Christmas Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time.
• Mix in flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
• Stir in molasses and hot water gradually.
• Pour into greased pan and bake 45–50 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~310
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 14g
Sugar: 28g
Fiber: 3g
This cake is spicy, rich, and perfectly festive.

Chocolate Peppermint Cake

Chocolate Peppermint Cake is decadent, chocolaty, and infused with peppermint flavor. Honestly, it’s a holiday dessert everyone will love.
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup milk
• Chocolate frosting
• Crushed candy canes for topping

Steps to Make Chocolate Peppermint Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and peppermint extract.
• Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.
• Pour into greased pans, bake 30–35 minutes.
• Frost and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~320
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 24g
Fiber: 3g
This cake is chocolaty, minty, and festive.

Pistachio Christmas Cake

Pistachio Christmas Cake is nutty, moist, and festive with green pistachios and cream cheese frosting. Honestly, it’s elegant and delicious.
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pistachios
• Cream cheese frosting

Steps to Make Pistachio Christmas Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one by one.
• Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Fold in milk, vanilla, and pistachios.
• Pour into greased pan, bake 35–40 minutes.
• Frost after cooling.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~300
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 15g
Sugar: 22g
Fiber: 3g
This cake is nutty, moist, and perfect for holiday tables.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cake

White Chocolate Cranberry Cake is sweet, tart, and festive with creamy white chocolate and tangy cranberries. Honestly, it’s a show-stopper.
Ingredients
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup butter
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup dried cranberries

Steps to Make White Chocolate Cranberry Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs gradually.
• Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Fold in milk, vanilla, white chocolate, and cranberries.
• Pour into greased pan and bake 40 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~320
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 24g
Fiber: 3g
This cake is sweet, tart, and festive.

Mocha Christmas Cake

Mocha Christmas Cake is rich, chocolaty, and infused with coffee flavor for adults and kids alike. Honestly, it’s indulgent and perfect for holiday parties.
Ingredients
• 2 cups flour
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
• Chocolate frosting

Steps to Make Mocha Christmas Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla.
• Alternate adding dry ingredients and coffee.
• Pour into greased pan, bake 35 minutes.
• Frost after cooling.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~310
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 36g
Fat: 15g
Sugar: 22g
Fiber: 3g
This cake is chocolaty, rich, and perfect for coffee lovers.

Coconut Christmas Cake

Coconut Christmas Cake is moist, tropical, and full of shredded coconut for flavor and texture. Honestly, it’s unique and festive.
Ingredients
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded coconut

Steps to Make Coconut Christmas Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one by one.
• Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Fold in coconut milk, vanilla, and shredded coconut.
• Pour into greased pan, bake 35–40 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~290
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 34g
Fat: 14g
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 3g
This cake is tropical, moist, and perfect for holiday tables.

Chocolate Yule Log

Chocolate Yule Log is a show-stopping holiday dessert with rich chocolate sponge rolled with creamy chocolate frosting. Honestly, it’s as impressive as it is delicious.
Ingredients
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate ganache
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Steps to Make Chocolate Yule Log

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy.
• Fold in flour, cocoa, and salt.
• Spread batter on a lined baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes.
• Roll cake in towel, let cool, unroll, and fill with ganache.
• Re-roll and dust with powdered sugar.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~280
Protein: 6g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 14g
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 4g
This dessert is chocolaty, creamy, and festive.

Spiced Orange Cake

Spiced Orange Cake is fragrant, moist, and infused with warm spices and citrus zest. Honestly, it’s a delightful holiday treat that fills your kitchen with aroma.
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• ½ cup yogurt

Steps to Make Spiced Orange Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one by one.
• Mix in flour, baking powder, soda, salt, and spices.
• Fold in orange juice, zest, and yogurt.
• Pour into greased pan and bake 35–40 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~260
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 34g
Fat: 11g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 2g
This cake is fragrant, citrusy, and perfect for Christmas.

Rum-Soaked Christmas Cake

Rum-Soaked Christmas Cake is moist, rich, and infused with rum-soaked fruits for a festive flavor. Honestly, it’s a classic everyone remembers.
Ingredients
• 2 cups mixed dried fruits
• ½ cup rum
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup chopped nuts

Steps to Make Rum-Soaked Christmas Cake

• Soak dried fruits in rum overnight.
• Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs gradually.
• Mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
• Fold in soaked fruits and nuts.
• Pour into greased pan and bake 1–1.5 hours.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~340
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 44g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 28g
Fiber: 4g
This cake is moist, boozy, and perfect for holidays.

Red Velvet Christmas Cake

Red Velvet Christmas Cake is vibrant, moist, and layered with cream cheese frosting. Honestly, it’s festive and irresistible.
Ingredients
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• Cream cheese frosting

Steps to Make Red Velvet Christmas Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Mix dry ingredients, add oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
• Pour into greased pans and bake 25–30 minutes.
• Cool, layer, and frost with cream cheese frosting.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~320
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 24g
Fiber: 2g
This cake is colorful, moist, and festive.

Lemon Christmas Cake

Lemon Christmas Cake is light, zesty, and bursting with citrus flavor. Honestly, it’s refreshing among richer holiday desserts.
Ingredients
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ½ cup lemon juice
• ½ cup milk

Steps to Make Lemon Christmas Cake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
• Cream butter and sugar, add eggs.
• Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Fold in lemon zest, juice, and milk.
• Pour into greased pan and bake 40–45 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: ~260
Protein: 4g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 1g
This cake is zesty, light, and perfect for the holidays.

FAQ

What is a Christmas cake?

A Christmas cake is a rich, dense fruit cake traditionally made with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It is often soaked in alcohol such as brandy, rum, or whiskey, which adds flavor and helps preserve it for weeks before serving.

When should I start making a Christmas cake?

Traditionally, Christmas cakes are made weeks in advance—sometimes 4 to 6 weeks before Christmas—to allow the flavors to mature. Many people “feed” the cake with alcohol every few days to enhance taste and moisture.

Can I make a Christmas cake without alcohol?

Yes! You can replace alcohol with fruit juice, tea, or non-alcoholic wine. The cake will still taste delicious, though it won’t keep as long as an alcohol-soaked version.

How do I store a Christmas cake?

Wrap the cooled cake tightly in baking parchment and then in aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in a cool, dark place. If alcohol is used, it can last for several months.