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Healthy Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe - About Health | Blog
Whip this out at the family lunch, and watch it quickly become a favourite that everyone will be talking about. The holidays are for indulging, but you can still enjoy all the delicious festive treats without compromising taste and your health. Fruit cake is made with natural wholesome ingredients and packed with nutrient-rich fruits and nuts. It’s the perfect guilt-free treat to share with friends and family this season.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried mixed fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants, chopped dates, etc.)
- 1 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (or orange juice for a citrus twist)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/4 cup chia seeds (for extra omega-3s and fiber)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp grated orange zest (adds natural citrus flavour)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for added richness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dried fruit: In a small saucepan, heat the dried mixed fruit, apricots, figs, applesauce (or orange juice), and fresh orange juice over low heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the fruit softens and absorbs the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the fruit mixture: Once the fruit mixture has cooled, fold it into the wet ingredients, followed by the grated orange zest and chia seeds. Stir to combine well.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Add in the chopped walnuts, almonds, coconut flakes, and dark chocolate chips (if using). Stir gently.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This fruit cake tastes even better after a day or two, as the flavours have time to meld together.
- Optional Decoration: If desired, decorate the top with extra nuts, dried fruit, or a drizzle of dark chocolate for a festive touch.
Enjoy this Christmas Fruit Cake with your loved ones as a festive treat that’s both delicious and nourishing. Perfect for gifting or serving at family gatherings, this healthier alternative to traditional fruit cakes will leave everyone satisfied!
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