Easy Three Ingredient Christmas Cake

There’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of a freshly baked Christmas cake filling your kitchen during the holidays. But let’s be honest — traditional fruitcakes can feel intimidating, with dozens of ingredients, hours of prep, and lengthy soaking times. That’s why this Easy Three Ingredient Christmas Cake Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s festive, delicious, and incredibly simple — perfect for anyone who wants to get into the holiday spirit without the stress.

This Christmas cake is moist, sweet, and loaded with the flavors we love during the holiday season. Using just three ingredients, you can whip up a cake that looks impressive on your holiday table, tastes amazing, and will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a first-timer, this recipe makes holiday baking effortless and fun.

Imagine slicing into a golden, spiced cake, rich with natural sweetness and aroma, served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of cream — pure holiday magic. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into this super simple Christmas dessert!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Simple: Only three ingredients and minimal prep — perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Time-Saving: Ready to bake in just a few minutes, no soaking or complicated steps.
• Deliciously Festive: Sweet, moist, and full of holiday flavor with a beautiful golden top.
• Kid-Friendly: Easy to involve kids in holiday baking — fun and educational!
• Crowd-Pleasing: Makes a perfect gift or dessert for holiday parties.
• Customizable: Add optional spices or toppings to suit your festive tastes.

If you love easy holiday baking, simple Christmas desserts, or minimalist recipes, this three-ingredient Christmas cake is your new go-to.

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Ingredients

Serves 6–8

• 1 box of store-bought sponge cake mix (any flavor you like) – the base of your cake.
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk – adds moisture and natural sweetness.
• 1 cup mixed dried fruits – raisins, sultanas, or chopped dried cranberries.

Optional Add-Ons for Extra Holiday Flavor:

• 1 tsp cinnamon or mixed spice
• Zest of 1 orange or lemon
• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
• A drizzle of icing or powdered sugar for decoration

Pro Tip: Using a rich fruit mix or adding orange zest can elevate this simple recipe to a truly festive dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Tip: Lightly flour the pan or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, sweetened condensed milk, and dried fruits. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a thick, sticky batter.

Tip: If you like, add cinnamon, orange zest, or nuts at this stage for extra holiday flavor.

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Step 3: Transfer & Smooth

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to ensure even baking.

Tip: For a decorative top, press a few extra dried fruits or nuts on top of the batter before baking.

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Step 4: Bake the Cake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tip: Ovens vary — start checking at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking. The cake should be golden brown on top.

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Step 5: Cool & Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tip: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for a festive touch.

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Tips for Success

1. Use fresh dried fruits: Soft, plump fruits prevent the cake from drying out.
2. Don’t overmix: Overmixing can make the cake tough — stir just until combined.
3. Check doneness early: Toothpick test ensures a moist, tender cake.
4. Cool before decorating: Gives a professional look and prevents icing from melting.
5. Optional warming spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or mixed spice enhance holiday flavor.

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Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free sponge cake mix.
• Nutty Holiday Cake: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
• Citrus Twist: Add zest from oranges or lemons for a fresh, fragrant cake.
• Chocolate Lover’s: Mix in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
• Vegan-Friendly: Substitute condensed milk with sweetened coconut cream or a plant-based condensed milk alternative.

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What to Serve With It

• Whipped cream or mascarpone cheese – balances sweetness with creaminess.
• Hot cocoa or spiced tea – perfect for cozy winter evenings.
• Vanilla ice cream – a classic pairing for a festive treat.
• Holiday fruit compote – enhances flavors and adds tartness.

This cake is perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon treats, or as a last-minute festive gift.

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 5–6 days, especially if decorated with cream or glaze.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

Tip: Reheat slices gently in a microwave or oven to restore that freshly baked warmth.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 150mg

Naturally vegetarian-friendly and festive for holiday meals.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping parchment or greasing pan: Leads to sticking and uneven edges.
2. Overbaking: Makes the cake dry — check early.
3. Using hard or old dried fruit: Can make the cake chewy or dry.
4. Mixing too vigorously: Can develop gluten in the cake mix, creating a dense texture.
5. Cutting before cooling: The cake may crumble — always allow to cool completely.

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FAQ

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake a day in advance — flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Q2: Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely — mix in ½ cup of your favorite add-ins.

Q3: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Vanilla, spice, or even chocolate work for festive variations.

Q4: Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Q5: Can I make it vegan?
Substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk or another plant-based alternative.

Q6: How can I make it more festive?
Add a drizzle of icing, dust with powdered sugar, or top with fresh berries and nuts.

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Conclusion

This Easy Three Ingredient Christmas Cake Recipe proves that holiday baking doesn’t have to be complicated. With just three ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious, festive dessert that will impress family and friends alike.

Whether you’re new to baking or just want a stress-free holiday treat, this cake is a foolproof way to bring holiday cheer to your table.

💛 If you loved this recipe, try my Perfectly Marinated Beef Tenderloin – Juicy, Flavorful, and Ready to Impress or Savory Lions Head Meatballs with Bok Choy Delight – A Chinese Comfort Classic next — simple, festive, and oh-so-delicious!