A Christmas cake is a classic festive dessert that’s rich, fruity, and full of holiday flavors. Baking it in the air fryer saves time and still gives you a moist, perfectly cooked cake. This recipe is perfect if you don’t want to use the oven or only need a smaller cake for a cozy family celebration.
This air fryer Christmas cake uses dried fruits soaked in brandy (or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version), warm spices, and a simple cake batter. The air fryer bakes it evenly without drying it out. Once cooled, you can decorate it with icing or leave it plain for a rustic look.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (225g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped apricots, cherries)
- ¼ cup (60ml) brandy or orange juice
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit – Soak the mixed dried fruit in brandy (or orange juice) for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer – Set your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Make the cake batter – In a bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine dry ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Stir in milk until the batter is smooth.
- Fold in the soaked fruits along with any remaining liquid.
- Prepare the pan – Grease a 6-inch round cake pan and line it with baking paper.
- Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in air fryer – Place the pan into the air fryer basket and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it.
- Cool completely on a wire rack. Decorate if desired.
Tips & Tricks
- For extra flavor, soak the fruit overnight.
- Wrap the cooled cake in parchment paper and foil. It tastes even better after resting for a day or two.
- Use a skewer to check if the cake is done—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
- You can decorate with powdered sugar, marzipan, or icing.
Part 2: Short Recipe
Description:
A rich, fruity, spiced cake baked right in your air fryer. Perfect for small gatherings and quick holiday baking.
Duration:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (+ 1 hour soaking time)
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (plus soaking)
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups mixed dried fruits
- ¼ cup brandy or orange juice
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions:
- Soak dried fruits in brandy or orange juice.
- Preheat air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
- Beat butter and sugar until creamy, add eggs.
- Mix dry ingredients and add to wet mixture.
- Stir in milk, then fold in soaked fruits.
- Grease and line a 6-inch cake pan, pour batter in.
- Bake in air fryer 45–50 minutes.
- Cool completely before serving or decorating.
