Air Fryer Christmas Cake

 

🎄 Air Fryer Christmas Cake – A Festive Treat Made Easy!

Who says you need an oven to bake the perfect Christmas cake? This Air Fryer Christmas Cake is rich, moist, and bursting with holiday flavor — all made in your air fryer! Packed with dried fruits, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness, it’s the perfect dessert to make your home smell like Christmas.

Whether you’re short on time or just love using your air fryer, this recipe gives you a traditional holiday favorite with a modern twist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Quick & convenient: Bakes in half the time of a regular oven.

• 🎁 Perfect for small gatherings: Ideal for couples or small families.

• 🍒 Moist and flavorful: Loaded with fruit, nuts, and festive spices.

• 🎄 Make-ahead friendly: Gets even better after a few days as the flavors deepen!

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Ingredients

For the Fruit Mixture:

• 1 ½ cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas, chopped dates, cherries)

• ½ cup orange juice (or brandy for an adult version)

• Zest of 1 orange

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• ¼ tsp allspice

For the Cake Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

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Instructions

1. Soak the Fruits
   In a bowl, combine dried fruits, orange juice, zest, and spices. Microwave for 1–2 minutes or heat gently in a pan, then let cool. This softens the fruits and infuses flavor.

2. Prepare the Batter
   In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.

3. Combine Everything
   Fold in the flour, baking powder, salt, and soaked fruit mixture. Add chopped nuts if using.

4. Prepare the Air Fryer Pan
   Grease a 6-inch (or similar-sized) round baking pan and line with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.

5. Air Fry the Cake
   Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the pan in the basket and cook for 40–50 minutes, checking at 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Decorate
   Let the cake cool completely before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or top with nuts and dried fruits for a festive finish.

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Tips for Success

• Soak fruits overnight for even richer flavor.

• Cover the top loosely with foil halfway through cooking if it browns too quickly.

• For a boozy Christmas cake, brush with brandy or rum while cooling and wrap tightly to “mature.”

• Store in an airtight container — the flavor improves over a few days!

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or custard.

• Pair with coffee, mulled wine, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

• Wrap in festive paper and give as a homemade gift — everyone loves a mini Christmas cake!

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Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Christmas Cake is proof that holiday baking doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s rich, tender, and perfectly spiced — a modern twist on a timeless classic. Whether you’re baking for family or gifting to friends, this air fryer version will spread Christmas cheer in every bite.

Simple, delicious, and full of festive joy — it’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table! 🎅✨