D-Gumdrop Fruit Cake
D-Gumdrop Fruit Cake is a rich, flavorful treat packed with dried fruits, gumdrops, and nuts, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and chewiness. Perfect for festive occasions or family gatherings, its moist texture and vibrant flavors appeal to fruitcake lovers and those seeking a nostalgic dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut gumdrops into small pieces.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add well beaten eggs to the creamed mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Alternately add flour and applesauce to the mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in dissolved baking soda, vanilla, and any nuts if desired.
- Fold in chopped raisins, gumdrops, and optional candied cherries and pineapple.
- Pour batter into greased loaf pans or a tube pan.
- Bake slowly in a 250°F (120°C) oven for approximately 3 hours or until done.
- Allow to cool before removing from pans and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist texture, ensure the butter is softened before creaming with sugar. You can substitute white raisins with golden raisins or dried cranberries for a different flavor. If you prefer a lower fat version, consider using applesauce in place of some of the butter. To enhance the spice profile, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of D-Gumdrop 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 tea or coffee. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad, like 5 Cup Fruit Salad, for a vibrant contrast on the dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store the D-Gumdrop Fruit Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three weeks. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 10 minutes to enjoy it fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of D-Gumdrop Fruit Cake contains roughly 455 calories, with 6g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1031mg per serving (45% 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 fruits in this cake?
Yes, you can substitute or add different dried fruits like chopped dates, apricots, or even candied citrus peels for a unique twist. Just be sure to adjust the amount to maintain the overall balance of ingredients.
What if I don't have gumdrops?
If gumdrops are unavailable, you can use chopped jellied candies or even chocolate chips as a fun alternative. The texture will change, but the cake will still be delicious.
Can this cake be made in advance?
Absolutely! D-Gumdrop Fruit Cake actually tastes better after it sits for a day as the flavors meld together. It can be made several days in advance and stored properly to enhance its taste.
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).