If you’re looking for the perfect holiday dessert that’s both fuss-free and incredibly festive, this Cozy Cranberry Noel Cake is your new best friend. Boasting just four main ingredients, it bakes gently in the slow cooker, leaving you free to wrap gifts, watch a holiday movie, or simply enjoy the season’s cheer—all while the house fills with the comforting aroma of sweet fruit and warm spices.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, and currants)
- 1¼ cups fruit juice (apple or orange works best)
- 1½ cups self-rising flour
- 1 teaspoon mixed holiday spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, or your own blend)
Instructions
To assemble, start by soaking your dried fruits in fruit juice overnight or for at least four hours. This step plumps the fruit and infuses them with a pop of tangy sweetness, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Once your fruit is nicely soaked, drain excess liquid if necessary, and spoon the fruit into a mixing bowl. Add the self-rising flour and sprinkle in your mixed spices. Stir gently until everything is well incorporated, taking care not to overmix—you just want the flour evenly coating the fruit.
Next, line the inside of your slow cooker with parchment or grease it well to prevent sticking. Transfer the batter and smooth out any lumps on top. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for about three hours, or until a skewer inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the slow cooker for about 10 minutes, then lift it out carefully and set it on a rack to finish cooling. That’s all it takes to create an easy, homemade Christmas delight that’s sure to be the star on any holiday table.
What makes this cake great is its simplicity—only four ingredients plus time. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a low-maintenance dish that still delivers festive flair. If you’re watching your sugar intake, choose a juice low in added sugars, or replace some of the dried fruit with fresh apples or pears to reduce sweetness.
You can also vary the flavors by using different dried fruits, like apricots or cherries, or swap the mixed spice for your favorite holiday blend. Whether you serve it as-is or top it with a dollop of whipped cream, this recipe is all about bringing joy without any stress, and that’s truly in the spirit of the season.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
