Brazil Nut Fruit Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min

A rich, nutty fruit cake featuring Brazil nuts, dates, and cherries, perfect for festive occasions or as a decadent treat for nut lovers and fruitcake enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

  • 3 c. shelled Brazil nuts
  • 1 lb. pitted dates
  • 5 eggs
  • 1/2 c. drained maraschino cherries
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 1/2 c. flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Put nuts, dates, and cherries in a large bowl.
  2. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt over nuts and fruits.
  3. Mix with hands until nuts and fruits are coated.
  4. Beat eggs until foamy. Add vanilla.
  5. Stir eggs and vanilla into the fruit and nut mixture.
  6. Pour into a greased and floured tube pan.
  7. Bake in a slow oven at 200° to 250°F for 1 hour.
  8. Cool before removing from the pan.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more intense flavor, consider toasting the Brazil nuts before adding them to the mixture. If you prefer a sweeter cake, substitute some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup. You can also swap the pitted dates for dried figs or apricots for a different taste profile. Always sift your dry ingredients to ensure an even texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Brazil Nut Fruit Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Homemade Face Paint for a fun gathering or celebration.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Brazil Nut Fruit Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to two weeks. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy it warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Brazil Nut Fruit Cake contains roughly 860 calories, with 15g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 828mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).

860 kcal 43% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.3g 31% DV
Total Fat 3.8g 5% DV
Carbs 159g 58% DV
Fiber 11.4g 41% DV
Sugar 20.2g 40% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 828.4mg 36% DV
Potassium 815.7mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 77.4mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.5mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 65.5mg 73% DV
Calcium 413.5mg 32% DV
Iron 6.6mg 36% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 other nuts instead of Brazil nuts?

Yes, you can substitute Brazil nuts with walnuts or pecans, which will also provide a rich texture and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the quantity based on your preference and the size of the nuts, as some may be larger or denser than Brazil nuts.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of Brazil Nut Fruit Cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for binding. Additionally, check that other ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.

What can I serve with Brazil Nut Fruit Cake?

This cake is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it with a fresh fruit salad or alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. It also pairs nicely with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.

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).

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