Deep Chocolate Cocoa & Spiced Mixed Fruit Celebration Cake is the kind of cake that makes an entrance. Thank you so much for being here — recipes like this feel like the centerpiece of a table where stories are shared, candles are glowing, and everyone leans in for that first glorious slice.
This cake blends deep, velvety cocoa with warming spices and bursts of sweet mixed fruit. It’s rich but balanced. Festive but not fussy. And it tastes like something you’d serve when the moment truly matters.
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Overview of Recipe Content
What Is Deep Chocolate Cocoa & Spiced Mixed Fruit Celebration Cake?
This is a moist chocolate cake infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, studded with tender mixed dried fruits, and baked into a luxurious dessert that feels perfect for holidays, birthdays, or winter gatherings.
It’s ideal for:
- Christmas and New Year’s
- Fall and winter celebrations
- Dinner parties
- Birthdays
- Special family milestones
If you’ve loved my Death by Chocolate Cake https://poulef.com/death-by-chocolate-cake/ or this Old-School Peanut Butter Sheet Cake https://poulef.com/old-school-peanut-butter-sheet-cake/, this celebration cake brings that same richness — but with a spiced, festive twist.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Deep, intense chocolate flavor
- Warm spice undertones
- Moist, tender crumb
- Beautiful fruit distribution
- Perfect make-ahead dessert
What It Tastes Like
The cocoa gives it a dark, almost velvety chocolate base. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth without overpowering. The mixed fruit provides tiny pockets of sweetness and chewiness throughout.
It’s like chocolate cake met holiday fruitcake — and they became best friends.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped apricots, or candied peel)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- 9-inch round cake pan (or 8-inch for taller cake)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Substitutions & Additions
- Add orange zest for a citrus note.
- Soak dried fruit in warm tea or orange juice for extra moisture.
- Swap walnuts for pecans.
- Add a dark chocolate ganache topping for drama.
How to Make Deep Chocolate Cocoa & Spiced Mixed Fruit Celebration Cake
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line your cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
The aroma already starts building here.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy — about 3–4 minutes.
This step creates that tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients & Milk
Add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with milk. Begin and end with dry ingredients.
Mix gently until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in Fruit & Nuts
Toss dried fruit lightly in flour to prevent sinking, then fold into batter along with nuts if using.
The batter will be thick and luxurious.
Step 7: Bake
Pour into prepared pan and smooth top.
Bake 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Let cool 15 minutes in pan, then transfer to rack.
Optional: Add Ganache
Melt 1 cup dark chocolate with ½ cup heavy cream and pour over cooled cake for an elegant finish.
What to Serve with This Celebration Cake
This cake pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Hot coffee or espresso
- Spiced tea
For a full dessert table, serve alongside Salted Caramel Brownies https://poulef.com/salted-caramel-brownies/ and Butterscotch Toffee Cookie Bars https://poulef.com/butterscotch-toffee-cookie-bars/.
And don’t forget to pin this festive beauty on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/!
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Soak dried fruit for 30 minutes if very dry.
- Do not overmix once flour is added.
- Use room temperature ingredients.
- Let cake rest overnight for deeper flavor.
- Dust top with powdered sugar if skipping ganache.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps 5–6 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Flavors deepen beautifully the next day.
General Information
Spiced chocolate fruit cakes are popular during cooler months because warming spices and dried fruits create depth and complexity. This cake balances traditional fruitcake flavors with a rich cocoa base — making it more approachable and chocolate-forward.
It’s festive, but not heavy. Sophisticated, but comforting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day.
Can I use fresh fruit?
Dried fruit works best for texture and moisture control.
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes — bake 18–22 minutes.
Can I skip the spices?
You can, but they add beautiful warmth.
Is this very sweet?
No — it’s balanced by cocoa and spices.
Conclusion
This Deep Chocolate Cocoa & Spiced Mixed Fruit Celebration Cake is rich, warming, and perfect for meaningful gatherings. It brings together chocolate decadence and festive spice in one unforgettable dessert.
If you love chocolate-forward desserts, don’t miss Death by Chocolate Cake https://poulef.com/death-by-chocolate-cake/ and Salted Caramel Brownies https://poulef.com/salted-caramel-brownies/.
Bake it for someone special — or just because you deserve something extraordinary.
Interactive Elements
Did you make this celebration cake? Leave a comment and star rating below — I love hearing about your special occasions!
Snap a photo and tag it on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/ so I can see your festive masterpiece!
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Slice – 12 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Sugar | 35g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Deep Chocolate Cocoa & Spiced Mixed Fruit Celebration Cake – Rich, Luxurious & Unforgettably Festive (Perfect for Special Occasions!)
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Deep Chocolate Cocoa & Spiced Mixed Fruit Celebration Cake combines rich cocoa and warming spices with sweet dried fruit for a festive dessert.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruit
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare cake pan.
2. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.
6. Fold in dried fruit and nuts.
7. Bake 40–50 minutes until done.
Notes
Soak dried fruit for extra moisture.
Do not overmix batter.
Flavors deepen the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Table of Contents
Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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