Here’s a classic, moist, and flavorful Fruitcake recipe that’s easier than you might think:
Ingredients (makes 1 loaf or 1 9-inch cake):
Fruit & Nuts:
- 1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped dates, cherries, apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped candied citrus peel (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Cake Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup orange juice or brandy (plus extra for soaking if desired)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prep fruit:
- Soak dried fruit and nuts in 1/4 cup orange juice or brandy for 1–2 hours (optional, but enhances flavor).
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Make batter:
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Gradually fold into butter mixture until just combined.
- Add fruit and nuts:
- Fold in soaked dried fruit, candied peel, and nuts.
- Bake:
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- If top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Cool & store:
- Let cake cool in pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For a richer flavor, brush the cooled cake with additional brandy or orange juice and wrap tightly.
- Fruitcake improves with age—store in an airtight container for a week or two, occasionally brushing with more liquid if desired.
💡 Tips:
- Use a mix of your favorite dried fruits; dark fruits give a traditional flavor.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
- You can also bake in a round pan or mini loaf pans for gifts.
I can also give a quick 30-minute version that uses no soaking and still tastes great if you want a last-minute dessert.
