If there’s one recipe I always come back to during the holidays or anytime I crave something fruity and sweet, it’s this 3 Ingredient Fruit Cake.

It’s the famous three-ingredient Christmas cake that’s been loved for generations—because it’s foolproof, rich, and full of flavor without needing eggs, butter, or fancy tools.

The best part? You can make it with just a bowl, spoon, and loaf pan. No electric mixer, no stress, and no long list of ingredients.

Just sweetened condensed milk (or chocolate milk for a twist), self-raising flour, and a bag of dried fruit. That’s it!

It’s moist, chewy, and perfectly sweet—ideal for Christmas, family gatherings, or a cozy weekend treat.

Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Fruit Cake?

You only need 3 simple ingredients—no extra fuss.
It’s budget-friendly and bakes up beautifully every time.
You can use sweetened condensed milk or chocolate milk for different flavors.
The texture is moist and rich—no one will believe it’s this easy!
Perfect as a Christmas cake, snack cake, or even fruit cake cupcakes.

Gathering Your 3 Ingredient Fruit Cake Essentials

Here’s all you’ll need before you get started—no special equipment or advanced baking skills required!

Recipe Overview

This 3 Ingredient Fruit Cake is a rich, moist, and easy recipe made with dried fruit, sweetened condensed milk (or chocolate milk), and self-raising flour. It’s the best recipe for busy home bakers who love simple, sweet, and festive bakes.

Detail	Info
Prep Time:	10 minutes
Cook Time:	2 hours
Total Time:	2 hours 10 minutes
Cuisine:	Australian / Christmas Dessert
Course:	Dessert, Snack
Difficulty:	Easy
Servings:	16
Calories per serving:	~260 kcal
Equipment:	Large mixing bowl, wooden spoon, 8-inch square or loaf pan, baking paper

Ingredients

1kg (5 ½ cups) mixed dried fruit
600ml sweetened condensed milk (or chocolate milk for a cocoa twist)
300g (2 cups) self-raising flour

Ingredient Notes

1. Mixed Dried Fruit: Go for a mix of raisins, sultanas, cherries, currants, or even chopped apricots. You can add nuts if you like a bit of crunch.

2. Sweetened Condensed Milk: This gives the cake its moisture and sweetness. Chocolate milk adds a light cocoa flavor if you want a fun variation.

3. Self-Raising Flour: No need for baking powder—this flour does all the lifting for you.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Line your loaf or square pan with baking paper.

2. Soak the fruit: Pour the condensed milk (or chocolate milk) over your dried fruit in a large bowl. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes—this helps soften the fruit and makes the cake more moist.

3. Mix in the flour: Add self-raising flour to the soaked fruit and gently fold until just combined. The batter will be thick and sticky.

4. Pour and bake: Spoon the mixture into your lined pan, smoothing out the top.

5. Bake for about 2 hours or until a skewer comes out clean. Check after 1 hour 45 minutes—every oven is a bit different.

6. Cool completely in the pan before slicing. The flavor gets even better the next day!

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 260
Protein: 4g
Fat: 3g
Carbs: 52g
Sugar: 38g
Fiber: 2g

💡 Tips for a Perfect 3 Ingredient Fruit Cake

✅Let the cake rest overnight before slicing—it becomes richer and easier to cut.

✅Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced fruit cake flavor.

✅If using chocolate milk, mix in a handful of dark chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

✅Don’t overmix! Stir gently to keep the cake soft and moist.

Serving Suggestions

This easy 3 ingredient fruit cake is great on its own or:

Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Toasted with a bit of butter for a cozy afternoon snack.
Sliced and wrapped as holiday gifts—it keeps well and looks festive!

Storing Tips

▶ Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

▶ Fridge: Keeps up to 2 weeks.

▶ Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Recipe Notes

You can use any dried fruit mix you love—make it your own!
Don’t skip soaking the fruit—it’s what keeps the cake soft and flavorful.
Perfect for making ahead of Christmas—the flavor develops beautifully over time.

Can I Use Fresh Fruit Instead of Dried Fruit?

I don’t recommend using fresh fruit. Fresh fruit adds too much moisture and can make the cake soggy. Stick to dried fruit for the best texture and sweetness.

What Kind of Dried Fruit Works Best?

A classic mix of raisins, sultanas, currants, and glace cherries works perfectly. You can add chopped dates, prunes, or even a few nuts if you like more texture.

Can I Make Cupcakes with This Recipe?

Yes, you can! Divide the mixture into cupcake liners and bake at 160°C (320°F) for about 25–30 minutes. They’re great for parties or lunchbox treats!

❓FAQ

Q: Can I Use Coffee Instead Of Condensed Milk?

A: Yes! Replace part of the milk with strong coffee to create a delicious 3 ingredient fruit cake with coffee flavor.

Q: Why Is My Fruit Cake Dry?

A: It’s likely overbaked or not soaked long enough. Make sure your fruit sits in the milk for at least 30 minutes before adding the flour.

Q: Can I Add Alcohol To This Recipe?

A: You can! Swap a few tablespoons of milk for rum or brandy for a festive twist.

Conclusion

This 3 Ingredient Fruit Cake proves that simple baking can still be full of flavor and charm. It’s rich, soft, and sweet—perfect for Christmas or anytime you want a fuss-free treat.

Give it a try, and let me know how yours turns out! I’d love to hear your twists—whether you used chocolate milk, coffee, or your favorite dried fruits.