Arizona Bittinger'S Thanksgiving Fruit Cake With Lola Schoppert'S
A rich, spiced fruitcake featuring molasses, candied fruits, and nuts, perfect for festive occasions and loved by those who enjoy dense, flavorful baked treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the sugar and shortening well.
- Add the beaten eggs and then the molasses; mix thoroughly.
- Mix the soda with the buttermilk until foamy, then add to the mixture.
- Measure the flour and add the spices to it; sift together 2 to 3 times.
- In separate containers, have the nut meats, raisins, currants, and candied fruits ready.
- Toss a couple of tablespoons of flour with each of the fruits, nuts, and raisins to coat thoroughly.
- Gradually add a handful of each of these coated ingredients to the main mixture along with the flour, mixing well after each addition.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your fruit cake, consider soaking the dried fruits in a bit of rum or orange juice overnight. This adds moisture and depth to the cake. If you don't have Brer Rabbit molasses, dark molasses can be used as a substitute. Ensure to cream the butter or Crisco well to create a light texture. For a twist, add some chopped pecans alongside the walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
This Thanksgiving Fruit Cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive presentation, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream. It can also be enjoyed alongside a cheese platter or with a selection of nuts for a delightful contrast. Consider serving it as a dessert after a hearty meal, or as a sweet accompaniment during family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, it can be refrigerated for up to a month or frozen for up to 3 months. If frozen, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arizona Bittinger'S Thanksgiving Fruit Cake With Lola Schoppert'S contains roughly 1548 calories, with 10g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 130g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely substitute different nuts based on your preference or availability. Almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts can work well. Just ensure they are chopped and toasted for added flavor. Mixing a variety of nuts can add texture and complexity to the cake.
How can I make this cake less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, consider using less sugar or substituting part of the molasses with unsweetened applesauce. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Keep in mind that reducing sugar may affect the cake's texture, so monitor the baking time closely.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of traditional flour. Additionally, check that all other ingredients, like baking soda and spices, are gluten-free to ensure the cake meets dietary needs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).