Christmas is a time for joy, celebration, and indulging in delicious treats. This incredibly quick and easy no-bake Christmas cake is the perfect dessert to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and creamy sour cream with condensed milk creates a rich and festive cake that is flour-free and gluten-free.

This cake is not only simple to prepare, but it also requires no baking, making it a hassle-free option during the busy holiday season. Perfect for those who are gluten-sensitive or looking for a healthier dessert, this cake will quickly become a beloved holiday tradition. Let’s dive into the ingredients and how to make this delightful treat!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 100g (3.5 oz) prunes, rinsed with warm water
• 100g (3.5 oz) raisins, rinsed with warm water
• 100g (3.5 oz) dried apricots, rinsed with warm water
• 100g (3.5 oz) roasted peanuts, allowed to cool slightly
• 70g (2.5 oz) walnuts
• 400g (14 oz) sour cream (25%), at room temperature
• 300g (10.5 oz) condensed milk, at room temperature
• 300g (10.5 oz) fine crackers (like digestive or graham crackers)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dried Fruits and Nuts

1. Rinse and chop the fruits: Begin by rinsing the prunes, raisins, and dried apricots in warm water to remove any preservatives and soften them slightly. Once rinsed, chop the prunes and apricots into small pieces for easy mixing.
2. Prepare the nuts: Coarsely chop the roasted peanuts and walnuts. You can leave some nuts whole for added texture if desired.

Step 2: Make the Cream Mixture

1. Combine sour cream and condensed milk: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature sour cream and condensed milk. Mix well until the two ingredients are fully blended and creamy.
2. Add in the chopped fruits and nuts: Gently fold in the chopped prunes, raisins, dried apricots, peanuts, and walnuts into the cream mixture. Ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Prepare the Cracker Layer

1. Crush the crackers: In a separate bowl, crush the fine crackers into small crumbs. You can do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin or by pulsing them in a food processor until they resemble fine crumbs.
2. Mix crumbs with the cream mixture: Gradually fold the crushed cracker crumbs into the fruit and cream mixture. The crumbs will help to bind the cake together and create a delightful texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Choose a cake mold: Line a rectangular or round cake mold (or a baking dish) with plastic wrap for easy removal.
2. Layer the mixture: Spoon the mixture into the prepared mold, pressing down firmly to create an even layer. Smooth the top with a spatula to make it look nice.
3. Refrigerate: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set properly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove from the mold: Once the cake has set, carefully lift it out of the mold using the plastic wrap. Place it onto a serving plate.
2. Slice and enjoy: Slice the cake into squares or wedges and serve chilled. It’s perfect as a festive dessert during the holiday season.

Cooking Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients: Since this cake relies heavily on the flavor of the dried fruits and nuts, using high-quality ingredients will enhance the overall taste.
• Customize the fruits and nuts: Feel free to substitute any of the dried fruits or nuts based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, dried figs or dates can be a great addition, and almonds can replace walnuts.
• Add spices for extra flavor: You can also add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the cream mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store the no-bake Christmas cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even more delicious.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 10g

The no-bake Christmas cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of dried fruits with the creaminess of sour cream and condensed milk. It provides a good source of fiber from the fruits and healthy fats from the nuts.

FAQs

Can I make this cake vegan?

Yes! You can replace the sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt and the condensed milk with a plant-based sweetened condensed milk alternative to create a vegan version.

How can I make this cake healthier?

You can substitute the condensed milk with a sugar-free version or use less sugar by adding more fruit. Opt for low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.

Can I add chocolate to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped dark chocolate or cocoa powder can be added for a chocolatey twist. Just remember to adjust the sweetness if necessary.

Is it necessary to let the cake set overnight?

While it’s best to let the cake set overnight for optimal flavor and texture, if you’re short on time, allowing it to chill for at least 4 hours will still yield a delicious result.

Conclusion

This no-bake Christmas cake is an absolute showstopper, offering a unique and festive dessert that is both delicious and easy to make. With its combination of dried fruits, nuts, and creamy layers, it’s sure to become a holiday favorite. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just looking for a healthy dessert option, this cake fits the bill perfectly. Enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends and make it a part of your holiday traditions!