By Shreya Sarpal
December 24, 2025
A festive Christmas cake made without refined sugar, sweetened naturally with dates and dried fruits. Moist, aromatic, and packed with warm spices, it’s a guilt-free dessert perfect for holiday celebrations.
1½ cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, cherries) 1 cup chopped dates ½ cup orange juice ½ cup oil or melted butter 1½ cups whole wheat flour / all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon powder ½ tsp nutmeg powder ½ tsp clove powder ½ cup chopped nuts 1 tsp vanilla essence
Soak mixed dried fruits in orange juice for 1-2 hours until soft and plump.
Blend soaked fruits and dates into a thick, smooth paste.
Transfer the paste to a bowl, add oil and vanilla essence, and mix well.
Sift in flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and fold in nuts gently.
Pour batter into a greased tin and bake at 170°C for 45-50 minutes, cool before slicing.