Skip to content
back to Christmas

Quick-mix Christmas cake

A last minute Christmas saviour, our moist fruited cake has all the flavour, but doesn't take the traditional time, so if you're running late with your preparations, then you can whizz this up in no time.

  • 30 minutes prep. time
  • 2 hours 20 minutes cooking time
  • Serves 8
  • Cakes, bakes & desserts
Christmas cake decorated with holly shaped icing
A decorated Christmas cake | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Ingredients

  • 225g wholemeal flour
  • 140g soft dark sugar
  • 140g unsalted butter, softened
  • 175g mixed dried fruit
  • 450g good quality mincemeat
  • 55g walnuts, chopped
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp mixed spice
  • Grated zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon

Method

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan/gas mark 4).

Step 2

Grease and line a 20cm spring-form cake tin.

Step 3

Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until smooth and even.

Step 4

Spoon the mixture into the tin and smooth the surface.

Step 5

Cut a circle of greaseproof paper and lay over the cake. Make a small hole in the centre of the paper to allow the steam to escape.

Step 6

Bake for 90–120 minutes, until the cake is firm and springy to the touch.

Step 7

Allow to cool in the tin for 20 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool. If required, marzipan and ice the following day.

A collection desserts on a table, including lemon and white chocolate scones and fresh lemons

Recipes

From tried and tested classic bakes to healthy dishes the whole family can enjoy, find inspiration for your next meal.

Recipes to make at home

You might also be interested in

Cakes and biscuits in the tea-room at Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd, Wales

Making our recipes at home

The recipes on our website might differ from those served at the places in our care as they’re adapted for you to make at home.

Two visitors holding sitting at an outdoor table holding coffee mugs, surrounded by garden greenery

Places to eat 

Discover a range of cafés, restaurants and tea-rooms at the places in our care across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Find a place to eat near you, as well as special deals and allergen information.

A stack of mince pie brownies on a cooling rack
Recipe
Recipe

Mince pie brownies 

A festive twist on a classic brownie, these indulgent mince pie brownies make for a great dessert and are a great way to use up any leftover mince pies.

A Christmas cake decorated with reindeer at Heelis

Christmas 

From classic puddings to indulgent treats and savoury festive showstoppers, take a look at some Christmas recipes from our chefs and local experts.

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust

By sharing your email address you’re agreeing to receive marketing emails from the National Trust and confirm you’re 18 years old or over. Please see our for more information on how we look after your personal data.