Cheap Fruit Cake
A moist, flavorful fruit cake packed with raisins and warm spices, perfect for casual gatherings and holiday celebrations. Easy to make and budget-friendly.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook raisins in 2 cups water for 15 minutes.
- Cool the raisin mixture.
- Dissolve 1 tablespoon of soda in 1/2 cup cold water.
- Add the cooled raisin mixture, sugar, melted shortening, salt, and spices to the soda solution.
- Mix well and pour into a greased baking pan.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for about 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful cake, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted butter. To enhance the texture, adding chopped nuts or dried fruits can be a delightful twist. Make sure to mix the batter thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this fruit cake plain or topped with a dollop of Hard Sauce(For Gingerbread And Steamed Puddings) for a rich contrast. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon snack. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or chopped nuts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover 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 fridge, where it can last for up to three weeks. To enjoy it warm, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheap Fruit Cake contains roughly 1832 calories, with 8g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 152g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 871mg per serving (38% 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 fresh fruits instead of raisins?
While raisins provide a specific sweetness and texture, you can use fresh or dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. Just be mindful that fresh fruits may add moisture, so you might need to adjust the liquid in the recipe.
What can I do if my cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out too dense, it may be due to overmixing or not measuring the ingredients accurately. To achieve a lighter texture next time, mix the batter just until combined and ensure you use the right measurements for the flour and liquids.
Is it possible to make this cake vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan. Replace the shortening with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and ensure the sugar used is vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making it simple to create a delicious vegan fruit cake.
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).