old fashioned fruit cake recipe

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The Best old fashioned fruit cake recipe
Old Fashioned Fruit Cake
🥘Ingredients
👨‍🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned Fruit Cake Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Fruit Cake

The Best old fashioned fruit cake recipe

I have been making this old fashioned fruit cake recipe for years, and it is a staple in our home during the holidays. My kids love the dense, moist texture and the sweet, spiced flavor that fills the whole house while it bakes. This recipe is perfect for Christmas gatherings or any special occasion where you want a classic dessert that feels homemade and comforting. It is also packed with dried fruits and nuts, giving you fiber and healthy fats, so you can feel a little better about indulging.

Old Fashioned Fruit Cake

4.5 from 1419 votes

This classic fruit cake is dense, moist, and full of flavor from dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. It is a traditional holiday dessert that keeps well and can be made ahead of time.

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Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time2 hours

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time2 hours 30 mins

Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Fruit Cake

2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, cherries, and candied peel)

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1/2 cup brandy or orange juice (for soaking)

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

4 large eggs

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup buttermilk

👨‍🍳Directions

1The night before, combine the dried fruit and nuts in a bowl. Pour the brandy or orange juice over them, stir, cover, and let soak overnight.

2Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. Grease a 9 inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

3In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

4Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

6Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined.

7Fold in the soaked fruit and nut mixture, including any liquid left in the bowl.

8Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

10Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowls

Electric mixer

Wooden spoon

9 inch round cake pan

Parchment paper

Cooling rack

Aluminum foil

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 180mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 28g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

For a non alcoholic version, use orange juice or apple cider instead of brandy. You can also substitute different dried fruits like figs or dates based on your preference.

Watch Video Of How Old Fashioned Fruit Cake Works

This old fashioned fruit cake recipe is a timeless dessert that always brings back good memories for me. It is perfect for holiday dinners or any family get together where you want something sweet and satisfying. I hope you give it a try and make it a tradition in your home too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Old Fashioned Fruit Cake

1. Can I make this fruit cake ahead of time?

Yes, this fruit cake actually tastes better after a few days. You can bake it up to 2 weeks in advance and store it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Some people even let it age for a month, brushing it with a little brandy each week.

2. How do I keep the fruit cake moist?

Soaking the dried fruit overnight in brandy or juice adds moisture. Also, wrapping the cooled cake in plastic wrap and foil prevents it from drying out. You can also brush the cake with a little extra liquid every few days while storing.

3. Can I freeze this fruit cake?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 6 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

4. What can I substitute for the alcohol?

You can use orange juice, apple cider, or even strong brewed tea instead of brandy. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and family friendly.

5. Why did my fruit cake turn out dry?

Overbaking is the most common cause. Make sure to check the cake at the 1 hour 45 minute mark. Also, measuring the flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off helps avoid a dry texture.

old fashioned fruit cake recipe

The Best old fashioned fruit cake recipe

Old Fashioned Fruit Cake