Description
This classic Christmas Fruit Cake is rich, moist, and packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. Perfect for holiday celebrations, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of tea during the festive season.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, cherries)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tbsp brandy or rum for soaking
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan or round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in molasses, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely in the pan, then remove and optionally brush with brandy or rum for extra flavor.
Notes
For a more traditional flavor, soak the dried fruits in brandy or rum overnight before adding to the batter. Wrap tightly and store for several days to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Christmas fruit cake, holiday cake, dried fruit cake, spiced fruit cake