Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this traditional Christmas Fruit Cake, packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. This moist and boozy cake is a festive favorite that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Fruit and Nuts:
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped dates, chopped apricots)
- 1 cup chopped candied cherries
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1/4 cup brandy or dark rum (plus more for soaking, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F and grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix wet ingredients: Mix in the molasses, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in fruit and nuts: Fold in the dried fruit, candied cherries, and chopped nuts. Stir in the brandy or rum.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and age: Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Optionally, brush with more brandy or rum, wrap tightly, and age for at least a week for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Soak dried fruits overnight for extra richness.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the liquor and use fruit juice instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
