Why You’ll Love this Christmas Cake Recipe
When you try this Vodka-Spiked Christmas Cake recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become a holiday favorite. The rich, moist texture and the delightful blend of dried fruits will have you coming back for seconds.
I love how the vodka not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the cake surprisingly light. Each bite bursts with festive cheer, making it perfect for gatherings with friends and family.
Plus, it’s simple to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities. Trust me, once you’ve tasted it, you won’t want to celebrate the holidays without this cake on your table!
Ingredients of Christmas Cake
When it comes to baking a Christmas cake, the ingredients are what set the stage for a truly festive treat. This Vodka-Spiked Christmas Cake is all about blending delicious flavors and textures, and trust me, it’s not just about the vodka (though that does add a fun twist).
You’ll want to make sure you have everything on hand before you plunge into the mixing madness. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to create something truly magical for the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- Lemon juice (to taste)
- 4 large eggs
- Nuts (your choice, chopped)
- 1 (1500 ml) bottle vodka
- 2 cups dried fruit (mix it up with your favorites)
Now, let’s talk about some important considerations when gathering your ingredients. First, the quality of vodka really does matter. You’re going to be sampling it a fair bit during the process (ahem, quality control, right?), so pick one that you actually enjoy drinking.
As for the dried fruit, feel free to get creative—raisins, cranberries, apricots, or even some candied ginger can add different flavors. And don’t stress about the nuts; whether you use walnuts, pecans, or almonds, they’ll provide that satisfying crunch.
Just remember to chop them up well, so they mix nicely throughout the cake. The more festive and personal you make this cake, the more special it will be when you share it with loved ones. Plus, who wouldn’t want to bring a little extra cheer to the holiday table?
How to Make Christmas Cake

Making a Vodka-Spiked Christmas Cake is both a joyous and slightly chaotic adventure—much like the holidays themselves. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and plunge right in.
First off, you’re going to need a large bowl because we’re going to be mixing a lot of goodness here. Start by grabbing that 1 cup of water and adding in 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Give it a stir until it’s all dissolved, and then let it sit while you get to the fun part. It’s time to sample that vodka. Just a small taste, we promise it’s for quality control—wink wink.
Next, in another bowl (or you can use the same one if you’re feeling adventurous), cream together 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This will take a minute or two, so don’t rush it. Once it’s looking good, toss in those 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You can even throw in that cup of dried fruit—careful not to drop it on the floor, though I’ve been known to do that myself. If it happens, just pick it back up, right?
Mix everything together until it’s combined, and if your dried fruit gets stuck in the beater, a screwdriver can be handy—though I recommend using it gently; we don’t want a kitchen disaster.
Now, let’s get a bit nutty. Take your choice of nuts, chop them up nicely, and add them to the batter along with a sprinkle of lemon juice—just enough to brighten it up. Then, sift in 2 cups of flour and that 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir it all together until it’s just combined.
If you’re feeling festive, you can even add a splash more vodka here, because—why not? Once everything looks good, grease your cake tin (don’t skip this step unless you want a cake that’s stuck for life), pour in your batter, and smooth the top.
Now, remember to give your tin a little spin for luck before you pop it in the oven. Bake it until a toothpick comes out clean, and then let it cool before you plunge in.
And there you have it—a Vodka-Spiked Christmas Cake that’s sure to impress and possibly require some quality vodka sampling along the way. Enjoy!
Christmas Cake Substitutions & Variations
While planning your Vodka-Spiked Christmas Cake, you might find yourself wanting to mix things up a bit.
I love swapping out dried fruits based on what I’ve on hand—try cranberries or apricots for a fresh twist! You can also substitute different nuts; walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch.
If you’re not a fan of vodka, rum or bourbon works beautifully too. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of regular flour.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices, like ginger or nutmeg, to give it a unique flavor. Your cake can be as personal as your holiday traditions!
What to Serve with Christmas Cake
Since the festive season is all about indulgence, pairing your Vodka-Spiked Christmas Cake with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience.
I love serving it with a dollop of rich, creamy mascarpone or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of toasted nuts adds a delightful crunch, while a drizzle of caramel sauce takes it to another level.
You might also consider fresh fruit like berries or citrus slices to balance the cake’s sweetness.
And don’t forget a warm cup of spiced mulled wine or a festive cocktail to wash it all down. Enjoy every bite!
Additional Tips & Notes
To enhance your Vodka-Spiked Christmas Cake experience, it’s helpful to keep a few tips in mind.
First, use high-quality vodka; it makes a difference in flavor.
Don’t skip soaking your dried fruits for at least a few hours—this step guarantees they’re plump and delicious.
When mixing, be careful not to overbeat the batter, as this can make the cake dense.
Let your cake cool completely before icing it; this prevents the frosting from melting.
Finally, consider storing the cake in an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor.
Enjoy your baking adventure, and happy holidays!