What spices go in a Christmas cake?

Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom typically go into a traditional Christmas cake, which give the cake its warm, festive flavour. The spices are mixed into the dry ingredients, so their flavours infuse evenly as the cake bakes. Other commonly used spices include nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and sometimes a pinch of star anise. Always combine the spices with the flour before adding the wet ingredients to make sure they are fully incorporated into the batter.

How do I know when the spiced Christmas cake is done?

To check if the spiced Christmas cake is done, insert a skewer into the centre. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. You can also look at the cake’s top; it should be a deep golden brown and might slightly crack or pull away from the tin. If it is not quite done, keep baking for another 5–10 minutes, and cover it with foil if it is browning too much on top.

Can I make the spiced Christmas cake in advance?

Yes, you can make the spiced Christmas in advance. It actually improves its flavour and texture, as the spices and honey blend into the dense rye crumb over time. Thanks to its high honey and butter content, the cake stays moist and tasty for several days. After baking, cool it completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film and foil. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days, or in the refrigerator for 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the wrapped cake for 2–3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before decorating and serving it.

How should I store the spiced Christmas cake?

To store the spiced Christmas cake, first let it cool completely on a wire rack. After cooling, wrap it tightly in parchment paper and then in aluminium foil to keep air out and moisture in. For extra protection, put the wrapped cake in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place like a pantry or cupboard, ideally at temperatures up to 24C. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you live in a warm or humid area, you might want to refrigerate the cake to avoid mould. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving it. For longer storage, freeze the cake for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Spiced Christmas cake

1 hour 40 mins cooking time

This spiced Christmas cake will exceed every expectation. Buttery and moist with warm, nostalgic flavours, it is finished with a dusting of icing sugar to crown the perfect holiday table. Easy to make and impossible to resist.

Spiced Christmas cake

1 hour 40 mins cooking time

Ingredients

1 cakes

500 g wholegrain rye flour, sieved

250 g cane sugar

2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

3 ground cloves

3 tsp ground cardamom

250 g acacia honey

200 g Lurpak® Unsalted Butter, melted

200 ml buttermilk

Extra Lurpak® Unsalted Butter and sugar for the tin

Decoration

icing sugar

Holly Leaves

Scan to see the recipe online

Method

Preheat the oven to 175C/ 155C fan/ gas mark 4.

Mix all the dry ingredients together.

Stir honey, melted butter, and buttermilk well together.

Grease a springform tin (25cm in diameter) well with Lurpak® and sprinkle it with sugar.

Pour the mixture into the tin and bake it in the oven for about 50–60 minutes. Check the cake with a skewer; when the mixture does not stick to it, the cake is done.

Avoid opening the oven door for the first 40 minutes to prevent the cake from sinking. Start checking doneness around 50 minutes.

Put the cake on a wire rack to cool. Decorate it with holly and sprinkle it with icing sugar. Serve it with coffee/tea.

Let it rest in the tin for 10 minutes first, as this makes it easier to remove the cake without breaking or tearing it.

Questions about spiced Christmas cake

Got questions about baking the perfect spiced Christmas cake? You will find all the answers here to help you get it just right.

Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom typically go into a traditional Christmas cake, which give the cake its warm, festive flavour. The spices are mixed into the dry ingredients, so their flavours infuse evenly as the cake bakes. Other commonly used spices include nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and sometimes a pinch of star anise. Always combine the spices with the flour before adding the wet ingredients to make sure they are fully incorporated into the batter.
To check if the spiced Christmas cake is done, insert a skewer into the centre. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. You can also look at the cake’s top; it should be a deep golden brown and might slightly crack or pull away from the tin. If it is not quite done, keep baking for another 5–10 minutes, and cover it with foil if it is browning too much on top.
Yes, you can make the spiced Christmas in advance. It actually improves its flavour and texture, as the spices and honey blend into the dense rye crumb over time. Thanks to its high honey and butter content, the cake stays moist and tasty for several days. After baking, cool it completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film and foil. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days, or in the refrigerator for 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze the wrapped cake for 2–3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before decorating and serving it.
To store the spiced Christmas cake, first let it cool completely on a wire rack. After cooling, wrap it tightly in parchment paper and then in aluminium foil to keep air out and moisture in. For extra protection, put the wrapped cake in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place like a pantry or cupboard, ideally at temperatures up to 24C. Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you live in a warm or humid area, you might want to refrigerate the cake to avoid mould. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving it. For longer storage, freeze the cake for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.

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Bake up a perfectly spiced Christmas cake

There is nothing like the smell of a freshly baked spiced Christmas cake to get you into the holiday spirit. This recipe embraces beauty in simplicity, giving you a fluffy, buttery cake thanks to a good measure of Lurpak®. As it bakes, the warm scent of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom fills the air, bringing Christmas straight to your kitchen.

A light dusting of icing sugar and a few sprigs of holly give it a showy winter finish without any need for elaborate decorations. Of course, if you want to dress it up, you can always add a few festive touches. Simple, elegant, and utterly delicious, this cake offers a subtle elegance that never fails to impress.

A delicate caramelised sugar crust

Beneath the snowy dusting of icing sugar hides a thin caramelised sugar crust, taking the spiced Christmas cake from simple to glorious. Before the batter even goes in, the tin is greased with butter and sprinkled with sugar. As it bakes, the sugar melts into the butter, forming a barrier that keeps the cake from sticking and helps it come out perfectly shaped. Once it cools down, the sugar recrystallises, leaving behind a crisp, slightly caramelised crust that adds a lovely crunch and a subtle shimmer around the edges.

Delightful warmth and sweetness from honey, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom

One whiff of this cake in the oven, and you know it is officially Christmas. Sweet, cosy cinnamon mixes with the intense, slightly bitter spice of cloves, while cardamom adds a fresh, citrus note and a hint of floral sweetness. The acacia honey keeps the crumb exceptionally moist while allowing the spices to infuse fully. One slice is never enough; these nostalgic flavours will keep you coming back for more.

Enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa, tea, or coffee

This spiced Christmas cake is best enjoyed slowly and with a warm drink in hand. Pair it with a mug of creamy hot cocoa if you are after something soothing and sweet, as the deep chocolate notes complement the warming spices exquisitely.

If you prefer tea, opt for a spiced chai to echo the cake’s flavours or a delicate Earl Grey for a softer, more refreshing take. And for coffee lovers, go with a smooth cappuccino or a bold espresso. Either way, it is the perfect excuse to savour another slice.

A holiday tradition worth sharing

Some recipes are just too good to keep to yourself, and this spiced Christmas cake is one of them. Christmas is as much about the little rituals as it is about the big celebrations, and sharing a homemade cake is one of those small joys that make the season special. Whether you bring it to a holiday party, serve it after a festive dinner, or wrap up slices as thoughtful edible gifts, it has all the makings of a cherished holiday classic.

Looking for more festive inspiration? Try our panettone for a classic sweet bread, or bake a batch of cinnamon biscuits for an easy spiced treat. If you are planning the perfect holiday feast, pair this cake with a showstopping main like roast turkey with lemon and sage or an orange cranberry Christmas turkey.

Put your mark on it

While this spiced Christmas cake is wonderful just as it is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Swap the rye flour for wholegrain spelt if you want a similar nutty taste, or try all-purpose flour for a lighter, softer crumb.

Elevate your cake with festive touches, such as dried fruits, nuts, or citrus. Raisins, chopped dates, or currants bring natural sweetness, while walnuts or almonds add a delicious crunch. A little orange or lemon zest can also brighten up the spices beautifully. When adding dried fruit, soak it briefly in warm liquid to keep it plump and juicy, then toss it in a little flour before folding it into the batter. About 200–300g of dried fruit and 100–150g of nuts work well for this recipe.

And of course, you can finish it off however you like. Sugar-coated cranberries or rosemary bring sparkle and charm without feeling overdone. You can also drizzle over a thin glaze, arrange slices of dried orange, or scatter pomegranate seeds to make it extra colourful and festive.

Where to buy

Lurpak® Unsalted Butter

With Lurpak® by your side you’re always ready to cook, bake and fry up wonders, cook. With its delicate taste, Lurpak® Unsalted Butter enhances the flavour of whatever food you add it to. From a hearty risotto dish, your weekend baking creations, to some simple earthy mushrooms, its subtle notes complement every creation you rustle up in the kitchen. For people who love Good Food, Lurpak® makes it even better. Now sleeves up. Today we cook bold.

Where to buy