Christmas Special Fruit Cake
A rich and festive fruit cake filled with an abundance of nuts, dried dates, and vibrant maraschino cherries. Spiced with warm cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, this moist loaf is perfect for holiday celebrations, offering a delightful combination of sweet, nutty, and spicy flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the coarsely chopped nuts, dates, and halved maraschino cherries together and set aside.
- Combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger; pour over the fruit and nut mixture and stir until well coated.
- Beat 3 eggs until foamy and pour into the mixture; stir well.
- Spoon the batter into a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan lined with wax paper.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider soaking the dates in warm water or rum for 30 minutes before using. You can substitute the nuts with your favorites such as walnuts or pecans. If you want a gluten-free option, use almond flour in place of all-purpose flour. Adding a splash of orange juice can enhance the fruitiness of the cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this delightful fruit cake with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive treat. It pairs beautifully with Sweet-Sour Beets for a contrasting flavor. Consider serving it with a cup of spiced tea or coffee to enhance its warm, holiday flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store the fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator where it can last for a month. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Special Fruit Cake contains roughly 317 calories, with 4g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 713mg per serving (31% 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?
Yes, this fruit cake actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. You can make it a week in advance, just ensure it’s stored properly to maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
If you prefer not to use maraschino cherries, try using dried cranberries or candied cherries for a similar sweetness and texture. Fresh cherries can also work if in season, but adjust the sugar content accordingly.
How can I make this cake more festive?
To make this cake more festive, consider adding chopped candied citrus peel or a splash of brandy to the batter. You can also top the cake with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
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).