Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
The Best Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake Recipe

Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake


  • Author: Lily Bennett
  • Total Time: 105
  • Yield: 20 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Experience the nostalgic charm of a classic holiday fruit cake. This dense, moist cake is packed with high-quality golden raisins, sweet dates, currants, and crunchy pecans, all spiced with a fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Infused with a non-alcoholic orange infusion to provide depth, this heirloom-quality dessert matures over time to become the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. It is a timeless treat that captures the heart of the season in every flavorful slice.


Ingredients

1 pound golden raisins
1 pound chopped dates
1/4 pound dried currants
1/2 cup extra orange juice (replacing alcohol)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup molasses
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
1.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1.5 teaspoons ground cloves
1.5 teaspoons ground allspice
1/2 pound chopped pecans


Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Thoroughly butter and flour your preferred pan arrangement, such as a bundt pan and a loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine raisins, dates, and currants with the orange juice. Let soak overnight to plump the fruit.
In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add orange zest, molasses, and vanilla.
Beat in eggs one at a time until well incorporated.
Whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and all spices in a separate bowl.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in the soaked fruit mixture and the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Divide the batter into your prepared pans.
Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow to cool completely before removing from the pans.

Notes

The secret to a perfect fruit cake is patience. Once cooled, store the cake in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks to allow the flavors to mellow and mature. For extra moisture, you can wrap the cake in cheesecloth soaked in a little extra orange juice and re-dampen it weekly.

  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 75
  • Category: Desserts & Sweets
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American