Merry Christmas everyone! Christmas Special Rum Cake

Merry Christmas everyone! Christmas Special Rum Cake is a medium Indian (Goan) recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Maria Cooks Goa on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $33.40 total, $4.18 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Mixed Dry Fruits (Raisins, chopped dried cherries, almonds, cashews; soak in warm water for 10 minutes then drain)
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened to room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (Sifted)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 2 tablespoons Dark Rum (Optional but adds authentic Christmas flavor)
  • 1/4 cup Fruit Juice from Soaked Dry Fruits (Strain the soaking water; use as liquid in batter)
  • 1 pinch Salt

Instructions

  1. Soak the Dry Fruits

    Place the mixed dry fruits in a bowl, cover with warm water and let them soak for 10 minutes. After soaking, drain and reserve the liquid; set the fruits aside.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease the 8‑inch round baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 180°C

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Cream Butter and Sugar

    In the mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Add Wet Flavors

    Mix in the cocoa powder, dark rum (if using), and the reserved fruit‑soaking liquid (1/4 cup). Stir just until combined.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

    Gradually add the sifted dry‑ingredient mixture to the butter‑sugar blend, folding gently with a spatula until no dry streaks remain.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Fold in Soaked Dry Fruits

    Add the chopped soaked dry fruits to the batter and fold evenly.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Bake the Cake

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake at 180°C for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 180°C

  9. Cool and Serve

    Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Serve at room temperature; optionally dust with powdered sugar.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains nuts, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy, Nuts, Gluten

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Merry Christmas everyone! Christmas Special Rum Cake

Recipe by Maria Cooks Goa

A festive Goan‑style Christmas fruit cake packed with soaked dry fruits, a hint of rum, and a touch of cocoa for a subtle chocolate flavor. Perfect for holiday celebrations, this moist cake is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.

MediumIndian (Goan)Serves 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
50m
Prep
20m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$33.40
Total cost
$4.18
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking the dry fruits to soften them and extract natural juices.
  • Creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Not over‑mixing after adding the flour mixture.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and baking pan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • If using alcohol, keep it away from open flames.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Christmas Fruit Cake in Goan cuisine?

A

In Goa, Christmas fruit cake—often called "Rum Cake"—has been a festive staple since the Portuguese colonial era. The cake blends local dried fruits and nuts with imported rum, symbolising the blend of Indian and European traditions during the holiday season.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Christmas Fruit Cake in Indian (Goan) cuisine?

A

Traditional Goan versions use locally sourced cashews, almonds, and dried mangoes, and frequently incorporate dark rum or locally made feni. Some families add a layer of caramelized sugar on top, while others keep the cake plain and dust it with powdered sugar.

cultural
Q

How is Christmas Fruit Cake traditionally served in Goa during the holiday celebrations?

A

The cake is usually served at room temperature, sliced thick, and accompanied by a cup of hot tea or a glass of spiced rum. It is often presented on a decorative platter alongside other festive sweets like bebinca and dodol.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Christmas Fruit Cake traditionally associated with in Goan culture?

A

The cake is a centerpiece of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feasts, as well as New Year celebrations and church gatherings. It is also gifted to friends and relatives as a token of goodwill.

cultural
Q

What makes Christmas Fruit Cake special or unique in Goan cuisine?

A

Its unique combination of soaked dry fruits, a splash of rum, and a hint of cocoa creates a moist, aromatic cake that reflects Goa’s multicultural heritage—melding Indian spices, Portuguese sweets, and Caribbean rum influences.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Christmas Fruit Cake at home?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, using stale leavening agents, and not soaking the dry fruits long enough. These mistakes can lead to a dense, heavy cake that doesn’t rise properly.

technical
Q

Why does this Christmas Fruit Cake recipe use both baking powder and baking soda instead of just one leavening agent?

A

Baking powder provides a steady rise, while baking soda reacts with the acidic fruit juice and cocoa to give an extra lift and a tender crumb. The combination ensures the cake stays light despite the heavy fruit load.

technical
Q

Can I make Christmas Fruit Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the cake can be baked a day ahead. Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and refrigerate for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped cake for up to two months and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Christmas Fruit Cake is done baking?

A

The top should be a deep golden brown with a slightly cracked surface. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The interior should be moist but not wet.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Maria Cooks Goa specialize in?

A

Maria Cooks Goa focuses on Goan home‑cooking, showcasing traditional recipes, festive dishes, and everyday meals with a modern, easy‑to‑follow style. The channel highlights local ingredients and cultural stories behind each dish.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Maria Cooks Goa's approach to Goan cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Maria Cooks Goa emphasizes authentic Goan flavors, often incorporating Portuguese influences like rum and vinegar, and uses simple, family‑friendly techniques. Unlike many broader Indian channels, she stays true to regional ingredients and shares personal anecdotes about Goan festivals.

channel

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