Bro. Jim'S Fruit Cake
A rich, fruit-filled cake with a blend of nuts, candied fruits, and warm spices, perfect for festive occasions or special gatherings that appreciate bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 box raisins ⓘ
- 1 box golden raisins ⓘ
- 1 lb. nuts ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. citron ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. candied orange peel ⓘ
- 1 lb. candied cherries ⓘ
- 1 lb. candied pineapple ⓘ
- 4 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 lb. butter ⓘ
- 1 lb. light brown sugar ⓘ
- 9 eggs
- 3/4 tsp. cloves
- 3/4 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. mace
- 2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tsp. soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop nuts and candied fruits and dredge them in half of the flour.
- Cream butter and light brown sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift the remaining flour with dry spices, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternately add milk and dry ingredients into the batter, mixing well.
- Add the chopped nuts and candied fruits and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan and bake at 275°F (135°C) for approximately 4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or rum to the batter. If you don't have all the specific candied fruits, you can substitute with mixed dried fruits. Make sure to chop the nuts and fruits finely for even distribution. Remember to use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try using Microwave Pecans in place of some of the other nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Bro. Jim's Fruit Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Rich Scottish Shortbread for a festive platter. Consider adding a cup of tea or spiced cider for a cozy afternoon treat, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then refrigerate for up to three months. If reheating, gently warm slices in the oven at a low temperature to retain moisture without drying them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bro. Jim'S Fruit Cake contains roughly 3727 calories, with 50g protein, 650g carbohydrates, and 132g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (226% of the Daily Value), iron (203% of the Daily Value), and calcium (117% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make this fruit cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this fruit cake tastes even better after a few days as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it several weeks in advance and store it properly. Just make sure to wrap it well to maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture, but it will still yield a delicious cake.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Additionally, the edges should start pulling away from the sides of the pan, and the cake should feel firm to the touch.
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).