This unbelievably easy 4-Ingredient Christmas Cake is a holiday favorite for a reason — it’s rich, moist, packed with fruit, and requires no complicated steps. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! The chocolate milk and Baileys give it a deep, indulgent flavor that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen… but it only takes minutes to prepare. Perfect for gifting, gatherings, or enjoying with a warm drink on a cozy winter night.
Ingredients
1 kg mixed dried fruit
(You can add a pack of glacé cherries for extra sweetness and color)
2 cups chocolate milk
½ to ¾ cup Baileys Irish Cream
(¾ cup gives a richer flavor, but both work well)
2 cups self-raising flour
Instructions
- Soak the Fruit
Place the mixed dried fruit (and glacé cherries if using) in a large bowl.
Pour in the chocolate milk and Baileys.
Mix well, cover, and soak overnight in the refrigerator (or at least 6 hours).
This helps the fruit absorb all the flavor and moisture for a rich, tender cake.
- Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
Grease and line a 20 cm (8-inch) round or square cake pan.
Add the self-raising flour to your soaked fruit mixture.
Gently fold together until fully combined.
The batter will be thick — that’s normal!
- Bake
Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake pan.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until:
A skewer inserted into the center comes out clean,
The top is firm and golden.
- Cool & Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Slice and enjoy!
Cake tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
Tips
You can brush the warm cake with extra Baileys for a stronger flavor.
Wrap tightly and store in an airtight container — it keeps beautifully for days.
For a festive touch, top with almonds or dust with powdered sugar.