Bill'S No Bake Fruitcake
A decadent, no-bake fruitcake packed with dried fruits, nuts, and marshmallows, perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet, indulgent treat for friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, crush the graham crackers finely.
- Add the seedless raisins, candied fruit, chopped walnuts and pecans, and sliced maraschino cherries (save some nuts and cherries for decoration).
- Heat the evaporated milk and add the marshmallows; stir frequently until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the marshmallow mixture to the fruit and nut mixture and blend thoroughly.
- Line a fairly large or two small cookie tins with foil.
- Place a small glass in the center of the tin and pack the mixture around the glass firmly.
- Carefully remove the glass from the center.
- Cover the tin and refrigerate for two weeks before serving.
- The fruitcake will keep up to four months.
Tips & Substitutions
For a unique twist, consider substituting some of the walnuts and pecans with your favorite nuts like almonds or cashews. If you prefer a different flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the marshmallow mixture. Crushing the graham crackers finely ensures a smoother texture. If you find it difficult to locate certain fruits, feel free to use dried fruits that you enjoy. This recipe is flexible and can accommodate various preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Once ready, slice the fruitcake into thick pieces and serve as a festive dessert. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in texture. Consider serving it alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a unique combo, try it with a slice of Lemon Icebox Pie for a refreshing dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store the no-bake fruitcake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to four months, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time. The flavors will meld beautifully over time. If you want to serve it later, just slice it directly from the fridge. No reheating is necessary, as it is best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bill'S No Bake Fruitcake contains roughly 3274 calories, with 55g protein, 428g carbohydrates, and 167g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (168% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value), and protein (111% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1446mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
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?
Absolutely! You can customize the recipe by using other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts instead of walnuts and pecans. Just ensure they are chopped and unsalted to maintain the balance of flavors.
How long does the no-bake fruitcake need to set?
The fruitcake should be refrigerated for at least two weeks before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to develop fully and ensures the cake holds its shape when sliced.
What if I can’t find candied fruit?
If candied fruit is unavailable, you can substitute it with dried fruits like apricots, cranberries, or figs. Just chop them into small pieces to maintain the texture and sweetness of the fruitcake.
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).