Baked Prune and Apricot Christmas Pudding Cake

Name: Baked Prune and Apricot Christmas Pudding Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 80 min
Total time: 225 min
Yield: 10 slices
Cuisine: British inspired
Ingredients: 150 g pitted prunes, chopped; 90 g dried apricots, chopped; 240 ml strong cold tea; 170 g honey; 100 g brown sugar; 115 g butter, melted; 1 whole egg; 1 tsp baking soda; 190 g all-purpose flour; 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon; 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg; 20 g icing sugar for dusting

Dried prunes and apricots soak in tea before going into a warmly spiced cake.

By Hez ArslanUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 3 hr 45 minMakes 10 slices

Jump to Recipe

Dried prunes and apricots soak in tea before going into a warmly spiced cake. Honey and brown sugar make the crumb moist while a gentle oven keeps the fruit from scorching. Despite the plum-pudding name, this source method bakes a batter instead of steaming a traditional pudding; this title describes the finished cake. Let it cool before dusting and cutting so the fruit slices neatly. Soak chopped prunes and apricots in cold tea in the refrigerator at least 2 hours; drain, reserving 60 ml liquid. Heat oven to 160°C (320°F); mix melted butter, brown sugar, honey, egg and reserved tea until combined. Whisk flour, baking soda and spices, then fold into wet mixture and stir in drained fruit.

Baked Prune and Apricot Christmas Pudding Cake

How to tell when it is ready

Cool completely, then dust with icing sugar and cut into slices.

Tips

Soak chopped prunes and apricots in cold tea in the refrigerator at least 2 hours.
Heat oven to 160°C (320°F).
Whisk flour, baking soda and spices, then fold into wet mixture and stir in drained fruit.
Pour into a lined 20 cm round cake tin and bake 65 to 80 minutes until a deep skewer comes out without wet batter.

Troubleshooting

If fruit sinks, toss in a little flour.
If top browns early, cover loosely with foil.

Substitutions

Use raisins instead of dried apricots.
Use plant milk if dairy-free ingredients are chosen throughout.

Variations

Add orange zest.
Use chopped dried figs for some apricots.

Serving suggestions

Serve with tea.
Add a spoon of yogurt.
Dust with icing sugar.
Offer with citrus segments.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze slices.

Storage

Wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze slices.

Food safety

Soak dried fruit in refrigerator and bake egg batter completely.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know baked prune and apricot christmas pudding cake is ready?

Cool completely, then dust with icing sugar and cut into slices.

How should I store baked prune and apricot christmas pudding cake?

Wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze slices.

Serve with tea. Wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze slices.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

Baked Prune and Apricot Christmas Pudding Cake