Easy Fruit Cake (Nigerian Christmas Fruit Cake)

Fruit cake; a fruity, delicious and extremely tasty cake recipe that keeps you going for more . What more can you ask for in a cake. 

Easy Fruit Cake (Nigerian Christmas Cake), nigerian cake, christmas fruit cake, xmas cake, xmas fruit cake

Nigerian Cake is rich and dense and this Fruit cake is not far from it. It is a fruity and richer variation of the classic Nigerian Cake and usually a big favorite at Christmas parties.
Here how to prepare it:

Fruit Cake Ingredients :

This recipe makes a well risen Loaf Pan (8.5×2.75x4.5) deep Cake.

  •  250 grams (about 2 cups) Plain Flour /All purpose flour
  •  250 grams Butter (at room temperature)
  •  4  Eggs (at room temperature)
  •  170 grams Sugar
  •  11⁄4 tablespoonful Baking powder
  •  1 tablespoonful flavor (vanilla or butterscotch flavor)
  •  ½ cup Brandy or Rum
  •  1⁄4 cup Browning(see how to make cake browning)
  •  1 handful mixed Dry fruits (raisins,sultanas,currants,cherries)
  •  1 teaspoon citrus peels(orange, lemon or grapefruit peel)
  •  ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg & Cinnamon (for extra flavor)

Notes:
– Raisins, sultanas and currants are all different varieties of dried grapes, so feel free to make use of a combination of all or any one you can find.

– I didn’t use cherries for this cake, but you can if you want to.
– The citrus peels can be of either orange, lemon or grapefruit or a combination of the three.
– I also used oldenburger butter, you can get it at all big supermarkets, like shop rite and Park n Shop, at the fridge section.

See also  Chicken and Shrimp Fried Rice

butter for baking cakes in Nigeria

Preparation:

A. Soak the fruits and citrus peels in the alcohol for up to 1month or at least 3 days. But if you are in a hurry to make the cake, you can boil it in a pot for 10mins with 2 tablespoonful of sugar and
1⁄4 cup water; strain and place in a bowl, then add the alcohol and leave to cool to room temperature and set aside.
Tip: if you’ll rather not use alcohol, simply use the boiled fruits after straining and at room temperature.

Easy Fruit Cake (Nigerian Christmas Cake), nigerian cake, christmas fruit cake, xmas cake, xmas fruit cake

B. Prepare the pan by lightly greasing
the insides of the pan with butter and then dusting with flour. This
will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

C.  Preheat the oven for 15 minutes at 150ºC or the 300ºF mark.

Steps

1. In a wide bowl, sift the flour and baking powder together and set aside.

2. In a separate bowl or cake mixer, cream the butter until it is light and fluffy, then add the
sugar and continue creaming until it goes from grainy to fluffy again.

3.  Break the eggs into a bowl and gradually add it to the butter-sugar mix , as you continue to cream.

4.  Add the browning, flavor and alcohol soaked fruits.

5. Gradually add the flour+baking powder mixture, one cup at a time and mix until well incorporated.

6.  Pour the cake batter into the
prepared cake pan(half way) and smooth the top with a spatula.

See also  How to Bake Cake On Sand (Without an Oven)

Easy Fruit Cake (Nigerian Christmas Cake), nigerian cake, christmas fruit cake, xmas cake, xmas fruit cake

7. Finally bake in the preheated oven (150ºC or 300ºF) for 1 hour or until the cake is springy to touch and has
started to shrink out from the sides of the pans.
Some oven bake faster, while others are
a bit slow, so  be sure to check your cake after 45 minutes of placing it in the
oven, to know if it is ready or needs further baking.
You can also check for ”doneness” by sticking a skewer into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

6. Cool the cakes in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.
Then pour the chocolate ganache on it(see recipe below)
This yummy fruit cake can be served with any Nigerian drink of choice.

How to preserve  this Fruit Cake 

Since this fruit cake recipre was published , I have recieved lots of question about how to properly store or preserve a fruit cake for months.

When the fruit cake is baked and cooled , simply brush the cake with brandy, rum or any alcohol that you have in your bar or pantry and wrap tightly in foil paper and a freezer bag and store in the freezer for as long as you want.

See also  How to Cook Edikang Ikong Soup ( Edikaikong Soup )

There are folks who actually inject the cake with alcohol to extent its shelf life, but I haven’t tried doing that as the above method works great for me .

+++********************************************************************+++
Easy Chocolate Ganache recipe

Ingredients:

  • 200 grams Chocolate(cut into tiny bits).. you can also use chocolate chips
  • 50 Unsalted Butter
  • 70 ml Milk (I used 100ml, because I wanted it a bit runny)tip: if using powdered milk, mix 2 tablespoonful with 70 ml water.

Steps:

1. Place milk and butter into a small pot and set to boil.

2.  The moment the butter melts, put off the heat and pour in the chocolate bit

3. Leave the mixture for about 4 minutes, to soften the chocolate.

4. Then using a whisk, mix gently until the whole chocolate is melted and well incorporated.5. Leave to cool to room temperature and set aside to use on the cake.
Note: the ganache will thicken as it cools. 

Easy Fruit Cake (Nigerian Christmas Cake), nigerian cake, christmas fruit cake, xmas cake, xmas fruit cake

<<You might be interested in:
* Easy Multi-Colour Polka Dots Fondant Cake for Beginners
* How to make Fondant from scratch
* How to Color Fondant for Cake Decorating
* How to Make Butter Icing (buttercream icing)
* How to cover a cake with Fondant
* Nigerian Cake Recipe
* Apple cake recipe
* Banana cake recipe
* How to make Cake in a Sandwich Toaster
* How to make Cake Browning

Follow:
Share:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

118 Comments

  1. Kodichimma
    August 18, 2023 / 9:11 pm

    Also, please can I use margarine instead of butter as what I can access easily in my locality is margarine? Thank you.

    • August 21, 2023 / 7:36 pm

      Yes you can, but be aware that the taste
      and texture might change a bit ,
      but you will still get a good result.
      These days there are margarine that
      are butter flavored and will work as well

      • Kodichimma Onwuka
        October 7, 2023 / 3:48 pm

        Okay. Thank you.

  2. Kodichimma
    August 18, 2023 / 8:59 pm

    Thank you Nky
    Please can I use unsweetened cocoa powder in place of the chocolate for the ganache?
    Also, please can this be successfully done without the Browning?

  3. obi
    August 28, 2022 / 1:58 pm

    I like it

  4. Ejimadu Blessing
    June 3, 2022 / 10:14 am

    Good morning ma, I read all yur comments and details of yur followers they are all emaculate, and a good response. I have been checking all websites but couldn’t find a sound good recipe none ….. but for yurs all are qualified ma …….. can I be contacting on a daily basis…….

  5. Idowu Adenike
    March 19, 2022 / 10:26 am

    Am new in this platform, and really appreciate you for explanation.
    Thank you.

  6. Ada
    October 7, 2021 / 10:07 am

    Thank you for this. It’s very detailed and easy to understand. I’ve checked other websites for this recipe but this is very good.
    Thanks for the browning recipe. Good job

  7. Ada
    October 7, 2021 / 10:03 am

    Wow this is really detailed and helpful. I’ve checked several websites for this recipe but yours is very different because it’s very detailed and I’m going to try it today. Thanks for the tip on how to make browning. Good job.

  8. Chris Ele
    September 23, 2021 / 5:27 pm

    Thank you for the great information I be forever grateful to this platform

  9. Bisola Oyewole
    June 3, 2021 / 11:51 am

    Wow, I love this recipe ma
    But ma for the Brandy or rum, if I use regal for the same quantity wont it make my cake bitter?
    I saw your vanilla recipe too and it was 1cup of Brandy, if I substitute it with 1cup of regal will it be fine ma(I don’t know if it’ll be too much)
    Thanks in advance ma

  10. Wariri Omon
    November 25, 2020 / 3:51 pm

    Hello ma. Is the rum or brandy same as the alcohol u re referring to in the recipe? Rum comes in 18ml. How many makes a cup if I choose to use the rum instead of brandy

  11. Ugo Chris-Aluta
    October 13, 2020 / 1:33 am

    I’m sorry for just notcing the comments section…I have made this recipe at least 4 times and it’s perfect each time! This is just to say thank you!

    • October 14, 2020 / 5:14 pm

      Aww.. I am so so happy you finally noticed it
      and even happier that you returned with a feedback
      thank you so much Ugo, well appreciated sweetie ?

  12. Bube
    September 27, 2020 / 11:32 am

    Hi just came across this and I am so in love with this… Please do you have a Facebook or Instagram or YouTube channel so I can follow.

  13. Kel
    June 9, 2020 / 2:23 pm

    Hello, I’m about to try put this recipe but the measurement for baking powder is 1 tablespoon. Is this correct or an error? As 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons. I would hate to have too much baking powder in my cake.

    Thanks

  14. jennifer chizea
    December 11, 2019 / 12:07 am

    how can I double the recipe for 20 loaf pans 6 inch thanks

      • jennifer chizea
        December 14, 2019 / 5:40 pm

        thanks for your feed back ..is it.possible to send the recipe I want to my email ..because the amount i got is very scary as a first time Baker regarding this huge amount ..really need your help …thanks [email protected]

        • December 15, 2019 / 6:57 pm

          Hi Jennifer, if this is your first time,
          I’ll advice you to try making this fruit cake just as it is in the recipe.
          Then you’ll be able to make a better calculation for the next batch you make.

      • jennifer chizea
        December 15, 2019 / 3:31 pm

        thanks

  15. Ugochi
    May 21, 2019 / 1:39 pm

    Good afternoon Nky,just came across your recipe and I can say I love this..I’m a self taught cake baker but I haven’t baked a fruit cake before and I must say this is self explanatory..i bought sun dried mixed fruits from the super market and it contains raisins,sultanas and currant and I want to know if the fruits are enough .. Thank you

    • May 24, 2019 / 2:53 pm

      Hi Ugochi, good to have you here.
      You will surely love this fruit cake and yes the fruits are enough.
      Raisins, sultanas and currants are all different varieties of dried grapes,
      The citrus peels ”upgrades” the flavor, but you can leave it out if you can’t get it.
      I am looking forward to your feedback and can’t wait to see some photos too 🙂

  16. Unknown
    September 1, 2018 / 5:41 pm

    hi nick i love ur recipes

  17. Linda
    August 15, 2018 / 7:49 am

    Hi Nky,I love your recipe and want to try it out today.but am confused on how to use the citrus peels,do u grate them before boiling and soaking in alcohol or u just extract.pls let me know how to use it in making a fruit cake. Thanks

    • December 11, 2019 / 5:18 pm

      Hi Linda, sorry this is coming a year late, hope it helps you or someone else .
      I grate mine and soak in the alcohol to extract the natural oil and flavors from the peels.
      you can also get them dried or candied and also use as stated.

  18. Unknown
    July 11, 2018 / 3:12 am

    Nice work

  19. Nana
    June 2, 2017 / 12:43 pm

    Hi Thanks for this wonderful recipe. I have a gold tequila of 38% alcohol volume, could I use that instead of rum or brandy? Would it make a difference? Also If I want to further increase the shelf life of the cake after baking how to I do that, I heard you can inject/brush the cake with alcohol?

    • December 11, 2019 / 5:41 pm

      Yes Nana, you heard right, but I do not inject my cake,I brush my fruit cake with alcohol and then wrap tightly in foil paper and large freezer bag and store away.

  20. Ejura
    May 31, 2017 / 9:34 pm

    Hi I have tequila with 38% alcohol volume. Can I use that in place of brandy or rum? Also can I brush/inject the cake with more alcohol after baking to increase the shelf life?

    • Bube
      September 27, 2020 / 11:29 am

      Hi just came across this now and I am

  21. Salma
    May 2, 2017 / 9:27 pm

    Hi Nky. Can I serve this ganache on toaster cake???

  22. Ella
    March 23, 2017 / 3:36 pm

    EllaNky darling. keep it up. u've got a great job here. I want to ask, do you have an official Facebook page or an email sort of?For the fruit cake, what quantity of orange zest do I use for 9 cups of flour and can I add chocolate flavor to it?

  23. Michy Angle
    March 19, 2017 / 1:57 pm

    Hi nky love, permit me to use that word *love* cos that's what I gat for you. I don't know how I came across your page, but all the same, I'm grateful for whatever has brought me to this wonderful page of yours. Would be unfair of me if I don't comment and thank you for your great job. I tried the egusi cooking though I used egg with mine and it was a boom. I'm so glued to your page and I'm loving it ?. My next mission is cake baking. Will come here to give testimony of how long your cooking skills teaching as taken me. E-hugs and kisses to you. You are blessed dear?????

  24. Nancy
    February 2, 2017 / 9:51 am

    Pls Nky my cake keep getting burnt, what do i do. thank u

    • December 11, 2019 / 5:30 pm

      Hi Nancy dear, have you tried checking your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to be sure the temperature is truly accurate,?

  25. Anonymous
    December 24, 2016 / 11:01 pm

    Hi, NigerianFoodTV!! I have visited this site like cray cray these past two days and it wouldn't be fair to not drop a comment, I just made use of your fruit cake recipe, and my brothers are losing their minds! It's soooo good! I substituted the chocolate in your ganache recipe with chocolate syrup (I'd already shopped before I saw ur site),it might not solid as good, but it'd be eaten up tmre anyway so… And the taste is absolutely fabulous! Thank you. You just got a regular visitor 😀

    • December 11, 2019 / 5:27 pm

      Wow, just seeing your comment now 🙁
      Thanks you so so so much for your beautiful feedback and I am so glad you decided to drop a comment.
      and very happy that your family enjoyed it too.
      Glad to have you in the community 🙂

  26. Amora
    December 21, 2016 / 9:24 am

    Hello Nk, nice job you are doing here. i want to try this cake recipe this season but i notice you didn't include when or how to add the citrus peel.Kindly confirm please.Thank you.

  27. Efficient Ignatius
    December 20, 2016 / 9:53 pm

    I don't know what else to say than to say I love you sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much. This generation can't afford to loose you. That's why I pray that you live long to assist people like me. Thanks a million Nky. (Tightest Hug) lol

  28. Angiephils Health and Beauty world
    December 11, 2016 / 8:52 pm

    Well done ma and God bless you for the recipe..more blessing

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 12, 2016 / 6:41 pm

      Bless you too 🙂

  29. fega
    December 8, 2016 / 1:42 am

    Hello Nky, please should I add the alcohol that I used to soaked the fruit inside the mixture? All of it. Hope to hear from you soon thanks.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 12, 2016 / 6:41 pm

      Yes Fega, use all of it , as indicated in this recipe.

  30. Chinaemezu Divine
    November 26, 2016 / 10:22 am

    Good day ma, If I use chocolate paste to make the ganache,will it harden after a while still?

    • Nky Lily Lete
      November 27, 2016 / 6:52 pm

      I guess you meant chocolate paste or spread like Nutella(right?)If that's what you meant, it wont harden, but might be thicker than mine above.

  31. Sandra
    June 24, 2016 / 5:26 am

    Hello ma, can I use the normal local cake pan for this cake? Then again I use a stove and rack, so should I reduce the flame very well or same temperature as making other cakes cos I heard fruit cakes takes long to get done. One more, hehehe, should I soak the raisins and orange zest together? Thanks ma

    • Nky Lily Lete
      November 27, 2016 / 6:48 pm

      Hi Sandra, when baking this cake, use a lower temperature, but be close to the stove ,so that you can watch the cake as it develops .And yes you can soak the raisins and zest.

  32. Didi
    January 19, 2016 / 8:06 pm

    Hi Nky, I have soaked the raisins in rum and lemon&orange zest. Do I pour the whole mixture into the cake when mixing or do I sieve it out and add fresh rum and zest.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      January 25, 2016 / 8:06 am

      Hi Didi, you are to use the whole soaked mixture. No sieving and no need for fresh rum or zest.Let me know how it turned out 🙂

  33. Toluwalope O
    January 10, 2016 / 11:41 am

    Dear Nky, thank you so much for this recipe.Reminds me of my days in food and nutrition class back in secondary school. I haven't made cake using butter in a long while i have always used flavorless vegetable oil. Will try it out today and see how it goes.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      January 11, 2016 / 11:06 am

      You're welcome Tolu , good to have you here keep me posted on the recipes you try out 🙂

  34. titi77
    January 8, 2016 / 9:14 pm

    Nky, this is awesome. I feel like I have just struck gold! I am just about to get back into cooking for my family and this site is priceless. May God bless your efforts. More grease to your elbow!

    • Nky Lily Lete
      January 9, 2016 / 8:09 pm

      Hi Titi, good to have you in the community.Do keep me posted when you try the recipes 🙂

  35. Franca
    January 4, 2016 / 7:23 pm

    Apart from the unsalted butter in the recipe can i use toppers margarine?

    • Nky Lily Lete
      January 9, 2016 / 8:07 pm

      Yes you can Franca. It is the closest substitute to butter in Nigeria.

  36. chidinma
    December 21, 2015 / 2:50 pm

    where do i get the chocolate in nigeria???

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 30, 2015 / 5:47 am

      Hi Chidinma, you can get chocolate from any good supermarket. Any dark or brown chocolate will be fine.

  37. Anonymous
    November 27, 2015 / 5:50 am

    Please Ma, you have not responded to my question, tnx.

  38. Anonymous
    November 24, 2015 / 5:25 am

    Please if I don't take alcohol, can I just boil the raisins in sugar and use or I should use directly without boiling? Thanks. Kindly reply asap

    • Princess Edoche
      November 28, 2015 / 6:57 pm

      Yes you can, I did mine like that and it came out so so delicious.The alcohol gives it an extra boost and makes it last longer.And by the way use a nickname next time,so that Nky won't think, you are a spammer, she stated it just below the page.

    • shola
      November 28, 2015 / 7:01 pm

      Boil in sugar and use like that

  39. Kirra P
    November 14, 2015 / 4:09 pm

    What is the icing or ingredient poured over the cake shown in the photo

    • Nky Lily Lete
      November 28, 2015 / 7:19 pm

      Aww dear, i forgot to include it, it's a simple chocolate ganache. I will include the recipe now 🙂

  40. Unknown
    November 14, 2015 / 4:05 pm

    What is the mixture that is poured over the cake in the photo?

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 17, 2015 / 10:44 am

      It's a simple chocolate ganache. I have included it in the recipe above 🙂

  41. Agharite Anthony
    November 9, 2015 / 8:58 pm

    Good day nick. I really love ur all u're doing. Please how much will this fruit cake cost for the ingredients? Thanks

    • Nky Lily Lete
      November 28, 2015 / 7:06 pm

      Hi dearie, It depends on where you live 🙂

  42. Agharite Anthony
    November 9, 2015 / 8:56 pm

    Please how much will it cost to purchase the ingredient?

  43. maimuna siraj danhassan
    October 27, 2015 / 3:27 pm

    Good day Nky. Lovely cake. Pls how can I make it without the alcohol? Thanks and God bless

    • Nky Lily Lete
      November 28, 2015 / 7:04 pm

      Hi dear, you can boil the fruits and peels in a pot for 10mins with 2 tablespoonful of sugar and1⁄4 cup water; strain and place in a bowl, then leave to cool to room temperature and set aside for use in the cake.

  44. Ijeoma Florence
    September 16, 2015 / 9:49 pm

    Hello Nky,i want to know the kind of cup you used to measure the rum.is it a measuring cup?

    • Nky Lily Lete
      October 4, 2015 / 12:20 am

      Ij, any cup that gives you 75ml will do just fine.

  45. Anonymous
    June 23, 2015 / 7:51 am

    Can this fruit cake be decorated

    • Nky Lily Lete
      June 24, 2015 / 8:36 pm

      yes it can.

  46. Ekenenna
    June 11, 2015 / 12:27 pm

    Hi Nky Lily Lete! I have been trying all your baking recipes and wow…i'm eating the short bread snack i learnt from you right now. very cool. now for this, cos i want to try out the cakes, the fruits being soaked in alcohol, what kind of alcohol exactly? is it from alcoholic red or white wines or brandy, rum, whisky or just any kind of alcohol and if i dont use the alcohol, whats going to happen?

    • Nky Lily Lete
      June 14, 2015 / 12:18 pm

      Hi dearie, you can make use of brandy or rum.The alcohol adds a lovely flavor to the cake and also increases its shelf life.Do let me know if you try it out 🙂

  47. samuel ogunsanya
    April 2, 2015 / 11:01 pm

    Thanks for the wonderful recipes…my question: I got this sunripe dried mixed fruit that says "ready to eat", can I still soak in alcohol for up to 2 weeks?

    • Nky Lily Lete
      April 6, 2015 / 10:56 am

      yes dear, you have to soak it in the alcohol.

  48. samuel ogunsanya
    April 2, 2015 / 2:22 pm

    Thanks for the wonderful recipes…my question: I got this sunripe dried mixed fruit that says "ready to eat", can I still soak in alcohol for up to 2 weeks?

  49. samuel ogunsanya
    April 2, 2015 / 2:21 pm

    Thanks for the wonderful recipes…my question: I got this sunripe dried mixed fruit that says "ready to eat", can I still soak in alcohol for up to 2 weeks?

  50. Kesiena
    February 24, 2015 / 10:20 am

    Just came accross ur blog, so excited to try out new stuff. pls is d citrus peel d skin of d citrus after peeling cos i was wondering hw it is used seeing that after peeling, it's usually big. thx so much for dis site

    • Nky Lily Lete
      February 24, 2015 / 10:40 am

      Hi Kesiena, just rub the lemon or orange lightly on a zester/grater and you will see the skin come off.

  51. Anonymous
    January 23, 2015 / 2:20 pm

    Hi Nky loves ur blog. But pls what are these fruits in 4 pix above. The name plz

    • Nky Lily Lete
      January 23, 2015 / 3:20 pm

      It's raisins, also known as sultanas. They are the results you get from drying grapes. You can get them at supermarkets or shops that sell cake things.

  52. Anonymous
    January 5, 2015 / 3:46 am

    When do you add the browning? With the flavor and fruits?

    • Nky Lily Lete
      January 5, 2015 / 2:28 pm

      Yes hun 🙂

  53. Anonymous
    January 2, 2015 / 4:16 pm

    Merry xmas to u, how can ds cake be preserve & for how long & can its still bring out its normal taste after preserving

    • Nky Lily Lete
      January 3, 2015 / 1:55 pm

      It can be preserved by wrapping it in a double layer of tight plastic wrap(nylon freezer bags) and then wrapping it again with foil and storing in the freezer.It will last for one month or more in a good freezer.You can also wrap it tight and keep at room temperature, this will last for like 3 to 7days.

  54. HoniMumi
    December 21, 2014 / 5:58 pm

    i just discovered your blog,i must say i made your fried rice recipe today and my DH almost bit his tongue. Thanx a million. What do you think of cake mix? Will it make a good cake? I dont have an oven,shey i can use this recipe with sand?

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 24, 2014 / 2:15 pm

      Hi HoniMumi, thanks for your lovely feedback, I'm so glad you found the recipe helpful.As for the cake mix, yes most of them do make great cakes, so feel free to use them as directed in the packet.And yes you can bake with sand or hot stone if you don't have an oven.

  55. JULIET
    December 19, 2014 / 10:39 am

    i will surely try this cake dis xmas

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 19, 2014 / 3:16 pm

      ok dear, I'll be expecting your feedback 🙂

  56. Deola
    December 18, 2014 / 9:10 pm

    I have been waiting for this cake recipe, thanks I'll surely make it this christmas

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 19, 2014 / 9:59 am

      I'll be expecting your feedback 🙂

  57. Anonymous
    December 18, 2014 / 5:40 pm

    Welldone. merry x-mas and happy new year in advance from ur fan kareemat. thanks 4 all d food recipes.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 19, 2014 / 9:59 am

      Hi Kareemat, good to hear from you hun, merry x-mas and happy new year in advance to you too 🙂

  58. Anonymous
    December 18, 2014 / 5:21 pm

    Helooo deary I must say I really love ur site..u are doing a great job…kip it up..I ll try dis..thanks a mil

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 19, 2014 / 9:57 am

      Thanks for your lovely comment 🙂

Skip to Recipe