Description
A delightful homemade fruit cake packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 1 cup chopped dried cherries or cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup dark rum or brandy (optional, for soaking)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1/2 cup candied ginger (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine all the dried fruits and pour over the orange juice and rum (if using). Stir to combine, then cover and let soak for 2-4 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease and line a cake pan.
- Beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with soaked fruit.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Slice and serve on its own or with icing or whipped cream. Enjoy with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Notes
Soaking dried fruits enhances their flavor and moisture. You can customize the nuts and dried fruits to your preference.
- Prep Time: 240 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Baked Goods
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: fruit cake, holiday cake, homemade dessert, baking, dried fruits
