Description
A timeless classic, this Holiday Fruit Cake is packed with candied fruits, raisins, dates, nuts, and warm spices. Moist, rich, and dense, it’s a festive treat ideal for gifting or enjoying with a warm drink during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 2 cups mixed candied fruit
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to toss with fruits and nuts)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a bundt or tube pan and line with parchment paper if desired.
- Cream butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in orange juice.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
- In a separate bowl, toss candied fruit, raisins, dates, and nuts with 2 tablespoons flour to prevent sinking. Fold into batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Wrap tightly and age for a few days to allow flavors to develop before serving.
Notes
- For added richness, brush with brandy or rum and wrap in cheesecloth to age over several days.
- Use a serrated knife for clean slices.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
