Here’s a classic fruit cake recipe — moist, richly spiced, and loaded with dried fruits and nuts. Perfect for holidays, gifts, or just a cozy treat.
Classic Fruit Cake
Makes: 1 loaf (about 8–10 servings)
Prep: 20 minutes + soaking time | Bake: 1–1.5 hours
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, cranberries)
- ½ cup chopped candied cherries or citrus peel
- ¼ cup brandy, rum, or orange juice (for soaking)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground allspice (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar or granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Soak the fruits (optional but recommended):
- Combine dried fruits and candied peel in a bowl.
- Pour brandy, rum, or orange juice over the fruit and let soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight for richer flavor.
- Preheat oven:
- 325°F (165°C).
- Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine batter:
- Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in soaked fruits along with any liquid, and nuts.
- Bake:
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake 1–1.5 hours, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Cool:
- Let cake cool in pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For best flavor, wrap tightly and let it rest for a few days — fruit cakes improve with time.
Tips for a Perfect Fruit Cake
- Soaking fruits: Enhances flavor and keeps cake moist.
- Spice variations: Add a pinch of cloves or ginger for warmth.
- Optional glaze: Brush with a little brandy or rum after baking to preserve moisture.
- Nuts: Toast lightly for added aroma and crunch.
If you want, I can also give you a “quick 1-hour fruit cake recipe” that’s still moist and flavorful without the long soaking time — perfect for last-minute baking.
Do you want me to do that?
