This Thermomix Christmas Cake is rich, moist, buttery, and packed with dried fruits, cherries, raisins, and crunchy nuts. The Thermomix makes preparing the batter simple, so you can enjoy a traditional homemade Christmas cake without spending hours mixing everything by hand.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 12–14 slices
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Thermomix
Course: Dessert / Christmas Baking
Ingredients
For the dried fruit mixture
- 200 g raisins
- 150 g sultanas
- 100 g dried cranberries
- 100 g mixed candied peel
- 100 g glacé cherries, halved
- 80 g chopped dried apricots
- 120 ml orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons brandy (optional)
For the cake batter
- 250 g unsalted butter, softened
- 200 g brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 250 g plain flour
- 50 g almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 75 g chopped almonds
- 50 g chopped walnuts
For decoration
- 50 g whole almonds
- 50 g glacé cherries
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon warm water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the dried fruits
- Place the raisins, sultanas, cranberries, candied peel, glacé cherries, and dried apricots in a large bowl.
- Add orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brandy if using.
- Mix everything together.
- Cover and leave for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, so the fruits absorb the liquid and become soft.
Step 2: Prepare the Thermomix
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
- Grease a 20 cm round cake tin.
- Line the bottom and sides with baking paper, leaving some paper above the edges.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients
- Add the almonds and walnuts to the Thermomix bowl.
- Chop for 3 seconds / Speed 5.
- Transfer to a small bowl.
- Add plain flour, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- Mix for 10 seconds / Speed 4.
- Transfer to another bowl and set aside.
Step 4: Cream butter and sugar
- Add softened butter and brown sugar to the Thermomix bowl.
- Mix for 30 seconds / Speed 4.
- Scrape down the sides with the spatula.
- Mix again for 20 seconds / Speed 4 until creamy and fluffy.
Step 5: Add eggs and vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time through the lid.
- Mix for 10 seconds / Speed 3 after adding them.
- Add vanilla extract.
- Mix for 10 seconds / Speed 3.
Step 6: Prepare the cake batter
- Add the prepared flour mixture to the Thermomix bowl.
- Mix for 15 seconds / Speed 3.
- Scrape down the sides.
- Mix for another 5 seconds / Speed 3 if needed.
- Do not overmix the batter.
Step 7: Add the fruits and nuts
- Transfer the cake batter to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the soaked dried fruit mixture.
- Add the chopped almonds and walnuts.
- Fold everything together gently using a spatula until evenly combined.
- Make sure the fruits are spread throughout the batter.
Step 8: Bake the Christmas cake
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Decorate with whole almonds and glacé cherries.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Check the center with a skewer. It should come out without wet batter.
- If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the tin for 20 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
Step 9: Add the apricot glaze
- Add apricot jam and warm water to a small saucepan.
- Heat gently until smooth.
- Brush the warm glaze over the cooled cake.
- Allow it to set before slicing.
Tips for the Best Thermomix Christmas Cake
- Soak the fruit: Overnight soaking gives the cake a richer flavor and softer fruit.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Butter and eggs combine more easily.
- Don’t overmix: Fold the fruits into the batter gently.
- Bake slowly: A lower oven temperature helps prevent the outside from burning before the center cooks.
- Check the cake: Baking time can vary depending on your oven and cake tin.
Storage Instructions
At room temperature: Wrap the completely cooled cake in baking paper and foil. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week in a cool place.
In the refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
In the freezer: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Christmas cake in Thermomix TM5 or TM6?
Yes! This recipe works with Thermomix TM5, TM6, and TM7. The mixing steps are suitable for all three models.
2. Can I make this Christmas cake without alcohol?
Absolutely. Replace the brandy with orange juice or apple juice. The cake will still be moist and delicious.
3. Can I prepare the cake ahead of Christmas?
Yes. You can bake it several days ahead. Once completely cooled, wrap it well and store in an airtight container.
4. Why is my Christmas cake dry?
Overbaking is one of the most common reasons. Use a skewer to check the center and avoid baking longer than necessary.
5. Can I add different dried fruits?
Yes! Dates, figs, chopped prunes, dried cherries, and mixed peel are all delicious additions.
6. Can I decorate this cake with marzipan?
Yes. Once the cake has cooled, cover it with a thin layer of apricot jam and add marzipan. You can finish with royal icing for a traditional Christmas cake.
Nutrition Information
Estimated values per slice, based on 14 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 61 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 43 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Final Thoughts
This Thermomix Christmas Cake is a lovely addition to your holiday baking. It has a soft buttery crumb, plenty of sweet dried fruit, crunchy nuts, and a beautiful orange and cinnamon flavor.
Serve it with tea, coffee, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream. It also makes a wonderful homemade Christmas gift when wrapped in festive paper and tied with a ribbon. 🎄
