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Scrumptious Gluten-free Christmas Cake

It’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten but still wanting to enjoy a real slice of Christmas cheer. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or friends who need to stay away from gluten, this cake will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s packed with juicy dried fruit, warm spices, and a generous splash of brandy (or your favorite liqueur), so it’s full of that cozy holiday magic.

And if you want to go all out, you can decorate it with marzipan and icing,  because why not make it look as good as it tastes? So let’s dive in and bake a Christmas cake that’s all about flavor, fun, and gluten-free goodness.

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What you’ll love about this recipe

Deliciously inclusive for everyone

Gluten-free Christmas cake means no one has to miss out at the holiday table. Whether you have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or just prefer to avoid gluten, this cake lets everyone enjoy a traditional Christmas dessert without worry or compromise.

Made with nutrient-rich ingredients

Gluten-free Christmas cakes often use alternative flours like almond or coconut flour, which add extra nutrients and a great texture. Many recipes also use wholesome ingredients like dried fruit, nuts, and warm spices, making the cake not just tasty but nourishing too.

Mood-boosting festive flavors

The combination of dried fruit, nuts, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and sometimes dark chocolate in gluten-free Christmas cake can really lift your spirits. These ingredients are known for their comforting, feel-good qualities, which are perfect for the cozy winter season.

Still boozy, but guilt-free

Many Christmas cake recipes call for soaking the dried fruit in rum, brandy, or sherry. With a gluten-free cake, you can enjoy that same rich, boozy flavor without any gluten-related guilt. It’s the perfect way to indulge in a festive drink-in-a-dessert while keeping your stomach happy.

A creative baking experience

Baking a gluten-free Christmas cake can be a fun, creative project. Playing around with different gluten-free flours and holiday flavors lets you personalize your cake and really enjoy the process, which can be relaxing and rewarding during the busy holiday season.

Ingredients

• 2 cups gluten-free self-rising flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour plus baking powder and salt (250g )
• 1¼ cups superfine sugar (or regular granulated sugar) 250g
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (250g / 2 sticks plus about 2 tbsp)
• ¾ cup almond flour (ground almonds) 75g
• 1 cup canned pineapple chunks in juice (from a 200g can, including juice)
• 2¼ cups chopped dried apricots (350g)
• ¾ cup whole blanched almonds (about 100g)
• Finely grated zest of 2 lemons
• 2¼ cups golden raisins or regular raisins (350g)
• 2 cups candied cherries, halved (350g)
• 5 large eggs

To Decorate (Optional)

• Marzipan
• Ready to roll icing
• Decorations

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 325°F, 160°C, Gas 3.
• Grease a 23 cm (9-inch) deep round cake pan and line it with a double layer of greased parchment (baking) paper.
• Cut each cherry into quarters, rinse and drain.
• Drain and chop the pineapple, then dry both the cherries and pineapple on absorbent paper.
• Snip the apricots into small pieces.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared fruit, nuts, sultanas, and the lemon rind. ( Hold back some of the cherries and whole almonds).
• Add all of the remaining ingredients and beat until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin and make sure it is level.
• Decorate with the blanched whole almonds and some halved cherries.
• Bake in the pre-heated oven for 2 1/4 hours until golden brown. Insert a skewer to test if it is cooked. You can loosely cover the cake with foil if it becomes too brown during cooking.
• Leave to cool in the cake tin for around 30 minutes and then completely cool on a wire rack.
• Decorate as you wish.

What to serve with gluten-free Christmas Cake

You can keep it simple and classic with cream, or go a little more festive with booze, fruit, or even cheese.

Cream and custard

Lightly whipped heavy cream works beautifully with rich fruit cake and is naturally gluten-free.
Brandy cream, or a splash of liqueur folded into whipped cream, adds a festive touch that pairs perfectly with a boozy, spiced gluten-free Christmas cake.
Warm pouring custard (made with a gluten-free custard mix if needed) is wonderful if you prefer something cozy and soothing over your slice.

Ice cream and cold desserts

Vanilla ice cream is an easy crowd-pleaser and cuts through the richness of a dark fruit cake really well.
Seasonal flavors like cinnamon, gingerbread, or brandy butter ice cream also work beautifully with classic Christmas spices.

Fresh fruit and compotes

Fresh berries, clementine segments, or sliced pears brighten up the plate and add freshness alongside a dense gluten-free Christmas cake.
A simple berry compote or stewed fruit (like spiced plums or apples) gives a lovely sweet-tart contrast and is easy to keep gluten-free.

Cheese and savory bites

For a more traditional twist, serve a wedge of Monterey Jack or a crumbly Colby-style cheese with your Christmas cake, a classic sweet-and-savory pairing.
Other mild, crumbly cheeses (like young mild cheddar or farmer cheese) also go really well with rich fruit cake if you enjoy that sweet–savory contrast.

Drinks to serve alongside

A small glass of dessert wine, tawny port, or sweet sherry is fantastic with spiced, boozy gluten-free Christmas cake.
For a non-alcoholic option, try strong black tea, good coffee, or a spiced chai – all great partners for a rich fruit cake and naturally gluten-free.

Are you ready to try my gluten-free Christmas cake recipe? Then let’s get started:

If you have a sweet tooth like me, then why not check out these👇

• Gluten-free mince pies
• Gluten-free Christmas pudding 
• Gluten-free gingerbread
• Gluten-free Christmas Muffins

Gluten-Free Christmas Cake Tips

Soak your fruit well in advance

The longer you soak dried fruit in alcohol (like brandy, rum, or sherry), the more moist and flavorful your cake will be. Start soaking weeks or even months before baking for the best results.

Choose a good gluten-free flour blend

A mix of gluten-free self-rising flour, ground almonds, and a little xanthan gum helps create a texture similar to a traditional cake. If you use plain gluten-free flour, add extra baking powder.

Cream butter and sugar thoroughly

Cream the butter and sugar together until very pale and fluffy for a lighter, more tender cake.

Line your cake pan properly

Double-line the cake pan with parchment paper, making sure the sides are well covered, to prevent burning during the long bake. You can also wrap the outside of the pan with newspaper or a damp towel for extra insulation.

Bake low and slow

Gluten-free Christmas cakes do best at a lower temperature (around 275–320°F / 140–160°C) for a longer time so they cook through without drying out. Place the cake on the lower rack of the oven and cover the top with parchment if it starts to brown too much.

“Feed” your cake regularly

After baking, poke holes in the cake and drizzle with your chosen alcohol every week or two to keep it moist and boozy. Wrap tightly in parchment and foil between feedings.

Be gentle when mixing

Overmixing gluten-free batter can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined and gently fold in the soaked fruit.

Test for doneness

Insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Store properly

Wrap the baked cake in two layers of parchment and two layers of foil, then store in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze it

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to prepare the fruit for a gluten-free Christmas cake?

Soak the dried fruit in alcohol (like brandy, rum, or sherry) for several days or even weeks. This plumps up the fruit and infuses it with flavor, helping keep the cake moist and delicious.

Can I use any gluten-free flour blend for Christmas cake?

A blend of gluten-free self-rising flour, ground almonds, and a little xanthan gum usually works well. If you’re using plain gluten-free flour, add extra baking powder.

How do I keep my gluten-free Christmas cake from drying out?

Bake it at a low temperature (around 275–320°F / 140–160°C) for longer, and make sure your pan is well lined. Double-lining with parchment and wrapping the outside with newspaper or a damp towel can help protect the edges.

Can I make this gluten-free Christmas cake dairy-free?

Yes. Just swap the butter for a good dairy-free butter substitute.

How often should I “feed” my gluten-free Christmas cake with alcohol?

Once it’s baked and cooled, poke holes in the cake and drizzle with alcohol every week or two. Keep it tightly wrapped in parchment and foil between feedings.

How long can I store a gluten-free Christmas cake?

If it’s well wrapped, you can store it for several weeks or even months. For very long storage, freeze it.

What can I use instead of mixed spice?

If you don’t have mixed spice, use a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Is xanthan gum necessary in a gluten-free Christmas cake?

Xanthan gum helps bind the cake and improve the texture. You can make the cake without it, but it may crumble more easily.

Can I use different nuts in my gluten-free Christmas cake?

Absolutely. Try walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts if you’d like to switch things up.

Why did my cake sink in the middle?

This can happen if the oven temperature is too high, there’s too much liquid in the batter, or the cake didn’t bake long enough. Follow the recipe carefully and always check doneness with a skewer inserted into the center.

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