Easy gluten-free Christmas cake recipe everyone will love

New Delhi: Christmas is here and so are our cravings for preparing delicious cakes and enjoying sweet treats with your loved ones. The holidays are a time for indulgence, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious, festive Christmas cake that everyone can enjoy – even those following a gluten-free diet? You can still enjoy some great cakes with teas and evening rum, to enjoy a festive time with your loved ones.

This gluten-free Christmas cake is rich, moist, and packed with the warm spices and dried fruits that make the holiday season so special. Al you want is some simple ingredients at home to make a fresh batch of gluten-free Christmas cake to whip up the festive mood and enjoy the most of holidays with your family and friends. Say yes to sweet treats with this delicious and easy cake recipe.

Ingredients for gluten-free cake

For the Fruit Mixture:

• 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants, dried cranberries)
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped dates
• 1/4 cup glacé cherries, halved
• 1/4 cup dried figs, chopped
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier alternative)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ground almonds (almond meal)
• 1/2 cup ground rice or rice flour (for additional texture)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)

For Decoration (optional):

• Marzipan
• Icing sugar or royal icing
• Edible glitter or decorative holly leaves

Steps to make it at home:

1. In a bowl, combine all the dried fruits, including raisins, apricots, dates, figs, cherries, and any other dried fruits you are using.
2. Pour the orange juice and brandy (or rum) over the fruits. Stir well and leave them to soak for at least 2 hours or, preferably, overnight.
3. Preheat your oven to 160°C. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.
4. In a large mixing bowl, sift the gluten-free flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and salt.
5. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs.
6. Mix in the ground almonds and ground rice and stir well.
7. Add the soaked fruit mixture, along with the soaking liquid, and mix well.
8. Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 55 minutes.
9. Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Allow it to cool down and decorate it well before serving.

This gluten-free Christmas cake is a perfect addition to your holiday spread. It’s packed with the warmth of spices, the sweetness of dried fruits, and the richness of nuts, making it an unforgettable treat for all your guests.