Alternative Christmas Cake Recipes Without Dried Fruits

When we think of traditional Christmas cakes, dense fruitcakes packed with dried fruits like raisins, sultanas, and currants often come to mind. 

While they hold a nostalgic charm for many, they’re not everyone’s cup of tea.

 Some people are allergic to dried mixed fruit so always have to miss out on the Christmas cake that everyone else is tucking into. 

But it doesn't have to be that way! That's Christmas has curated several alternative Christmas cake recipes that don't use any dried mixed fruit at all!

If you’re looking to break from tradition or simply avoid dried fruits, here are some delicious alternative Christmas cake recipes to try this holiday season.

1. Chocolate & Hazelnut Christmas Cake

For chocolate lovers, this cake is a festive dream. Rich, moist, and decadent, it swaps dried fruits for nuts and cocoa.

Ingredients:

200g dark chocolate

150g butter

200g caster sugar

4 eggs

200g self-raising flour

100g ground hazelnuts

50ml milk

Optional: a splash of orange zest for a festive touch

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a round cake tin.

Melt the chocolate and butter together, then let cool slightly.

Beat the sugar and eggs until fluffy. Gradually mix in the chocolate mixture.

Fold in the flour, hazelnuts, and milk until smooth.

Pour into the tin and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.

Decorate with a chocolate ganache and festive sprinkles.

2. Citrus & Almond Cake

This zesty cake brings bright, fresh flavours to your Christmas table without a single raisin in sight.

Ingredients:

3 large oranges (zest and juice)

200g ground almonds

5 eggs

200g sugar

1 tsp baking powder

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan). Grease and line a round cake tin.

Zest and juice the oranges. Set aside 2 tbsp of juice for glazing.

Beat the eggs and sugar until pale and thick. Stir in the almond flour, baking powder, and orange zest.

Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 40–50 minutes.

Brush with an orange juice glaze while warm and garnish with candied orange slices or flaked almonds

3. Spiced Apple & Ginger Cake

Perfect for those who love warm spices, this cake is moist, aromatic, and full of festive flavour. (This is my favourite alternastiove 

Ingredients:

2 large apples, grated

200g plain flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

150g sugar

150g butter, melted

2 eggs

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease a loaf or bundt tin.

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar, then mix in the grated apples and melted butter.

Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.

Pour into the tin and bake for 40–50 minutes.

Decorate with a simple icing or dusting of icing sugar.

4. Coconut & Pineapple Christmas Cake

For a tropical twist, this cake offers a fresh and light alternative.

Ingredients:

200g crushed pineapple (drained)

150g shredded coconut

200g self-raising flour

150g sugar

3 eggs

100g butter, melted

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a round cake tin.

Beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy. Mix in the melted butter and pineapple.

Gradually fold in the flour and coconut until combined.

Pour into the tin and bake for 35–40 minutes.

Decorate with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes.

5. Nutty Carrot Cake

Carrot cake isn’t just for spring—it makes a wonderful festive treat with the right spices and toppings.

Ingredients:

200g grated carrots

200g self-raising flour

150g brown sugar

2 tsp mixed spice

100g chopped walnuts

2 eggs

150ml vegetable oil

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a square or round tin.

Mix the dry ingredients, including the carrots and walnuts, in a large bowl.

Beat the eggs and oil, then combine with the dry mixture.

Pour into the tin and bake for 35–40 minutes.

Top with cream cheese frosting and crushed nuts for a festive finish.

Tips for Decorating Alternative Christmas Cakes

Icing Alternatives: Swap traditional marzipan and fondant for cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or a dusting of icing sugar.

Garnishes: Fresh fruits, nuts, edible flowers, or festive sprinkles make excellent decorations.

Thematic Shapes: Use bundt tins, loaf pans, or cupcake moulds to add variety to your presentation.

By embracing these alternative Christmas cake recipes, you can create festive centrepieces that cater to all tastes and dietary preferences. Let the baking begin!