3 Ingredient Christmas Cake That Everyone Loves

Many people love to bake during the holidays but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This 3 ingredient Christmas cake is a popular choice for them.

If you’ve been searching for the easiest 3 Ingredient Christmas Cake, this is the one I make every single year. I love how it comes together with pantry staples, no fancy tools, and zero stress.

It’s the kind of cake that makes you feel like you pulled off something big, even though you only used three simple ingredients.

The dried fruit softens, the almond milk brings everything together, and the self-raising flour turns it into a rich, tender fruit cake that tastes like Christmas in every bite.

I first tried this famous 3 ingredients Christmas cake recipe when I was short on time and needed a fuss-free dessert for a holiday gathering.

I was shocked at how good it was. Everyone thought I spent hours baking. I didn’t. And that’s exactly why I love sharing this with you.

Why You’ll Love 3 Ingredient Christmas Cake?

I love this cake because it takes all the stress out of holiday baking. No mixers, no long ingredient list, no fancy steps. Just three simple ingredients that come together to make a rich Christmas fruit cake that tastes like it took hours.

You’ll love it if you want something quick, reliable, and packed with classic holiday flavor. The dried fruit turns soft and plump, the cake bakes up moist, and the whole thing feels like a little Christmas gift you made in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe you can repeat every year without changing a thing.

• It’s budget-friendly.
• Perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
• No baking experience needed.
• Easy to customize with your favorite fruit mix or flavored milk.
• Makes a great edible gift.

Use this as-is or let me know if you’d like it to sound more personal, more energetic, or more conversational!

How to Prepare 3 Ingredient Christmas Cake?

Recipe Overview

This 3 Ingredient Christmas Cake is a simple fruit cake recipe made with mixed dried fruit, almond milk, and self-raising flour.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Cuisine: Christmas / Holiday Baking
• Course: Dessert
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 1 cake
• Servings: 12
• Calories per Serving: About 270
• Serving Size: 1 slice

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Loaf pan or round cake pan
• Baking paper
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups
• Saucepan (if warming almond milk)

Ingredients

• 1 kg (6 cups) mixed dried fruit
• 600 ml (2 1/2 cups) almond milk
• 300 g (2 3/4 cups) self-raising flour or gluten-free self-raising flour
• 1 tbsp sherry, rum, or whiskey to brush (optional)
• Icing sugar for dusting (optional)

Ingredient Notes

• Mixed dried fruit: Use a mix with raisins, sultanas, currants, candied peel, cherries, or anything you love in a Christmas fruit cake.
• Almond milk: I use unsweetened almond milk because it keeps the cake moist without adding extra sugar. It gives a mild nutty flavor that works well with fruit.
• Self-raising flour: This gives the cake lift. If using gluten-free self-raising flour, the texture stays soft.
• Flavor brush: A light brush of sherry, rum, or whiskey adds a classic holiday touch.
• Icing sugar: Just a dusting before serving makes the cake look festive.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Christmas Cake?

Step 1: Soak the dried fruit

Pour the almond milk into a saucepan and warm it slightly. Don’t boil. Add the dried fruit and stir. Let the mix sit for at least 30 minutes. This helps the fruit soften and keeps the cake moist.

Step 2: Preheat and prepare the pan

Line a loaf pan or round cake pan with baking paper. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F).

Step 3: Add the flour

Once the fruit mixture cools a bit, add the self-raising flour. Stir gently until it forms a thick batter. Don’t over-mix. The batter will look dense—this is normal.

Step 4: Transfer to the pan

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for about 2 hours. If the top darkens too fast, cover loosely with foil halfway through.

Step 6: Cool and brush

Let the cake cool in the pan. Brush lightly with sherry, rum, or whiskey if you want a richer Christmas flavor.

Step 7: Dust and serve

Once fully cool, dust with icing sugar and slice.

Nutrition

(Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 270
• Fat: 2g
• Carbs: 60g
• Sugar: 38g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g

Recipe Tips and Variations

Use chocolate almond milk for a twist similar to the popular 3 ingredient fruit cake with chocolate milk.

✅Add a handful of nuts for texture.

✅Swap almond milk with iced coffee for a richer flavor.

✅You can use gluten-free flour for an easy gluten-free 3 ingredients Christmas cake recipe.

✅Make it ahead—the flavor gets better the next day.

✅Turn it into mini loaves for gifting.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice and serve with hot tea or coffee.
• Add whipped cream for a softer bite.
• Serve with custard for a more traditional Christmas fruit cake feel.
• Wrap slices for holiday gifting.

Tips for Success with 3 Ingredient Christmas Cake

▶ Soaking the fruit is the key to a moist texture.

▶ Don’t over-mix the batter.

▶ Line the pan well so the cake doesn’t stick.

▶ Bake low and slow for the best crumb.

Storing Tips

1. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

2. Keep in the fridge for up to 10 days.

3. Freeze for up to 3 months—wrap in plastic, then foil.

• The cake firms up as it cools.
• Gluten-free flour works well with this recipe.
• Sweetened almond milk makes the cake sweeter.
• Brushing with rum gives a traditional Christmas touch.

Other Cake Recipes You May Like

▶ 3 Ingredient Fruit Cake Recipe

▶ Easy Red Velvet Oreo Cheesecake Recipe

▶ Best Orange Cake Recipe

▶ 3 Ingredient Applesauce Cake

▶ Vanilla Buttercream Chocolate Cake

FAQ

Conclusion

I love making this 3 Ingredient Christmas Cake because it’s simple, reliable, and full of that cozy holiday flavor.

Give it a try this season and let me know how your cake turns out. I always enjoy hearing your versions, your add-ins, and how your family likes it.