Daddy'S No-Bake Fruit Cake

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A rich, no-bake fruit cake packed with nuts, raisins, coconut, and marshallows, perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet, chewy treat for any dessert lover.

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Ingredients

  • 1 quart pecans
  • 1 box raisins
  • 1 can coconut
  • 1 small package tiny marshmallows
  • 1 package crushed vanilla wafers
  • 1 jar cherries, drained
  • 1 can Eagle Brand milk

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.
  2. Pack the mixture into a baking pan, adding a little cherry juice if the mixture is too dry.
  3. Wrap the pan in tinfoil and refrigerate until firm.

Tips & Substitutions

For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the pecans before mixing them in. You can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut. Dried cranberries or apricots can replace raisins for a twist. If you want a creamier texture, try adding a splash of cream or yogurt to the mixture. Ensure you pack the mixture tightly in the pan for better slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the no-bake fruit cake into squares and serve chilled. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh fruit or additional cherries. This dessert is perfect for potlucks or holiday gatherings, and is a delightful addition to any dessert table alongside treats like Chocolate Waffle Iron Cookies.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the fruit cake, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Avoid reheating, as it is best enjoyed cold and firm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Daddy'S No-Bake Fruit Cake contains roughly 2566 calories, with 38g protein, 343g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (153% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (108% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1703mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).

2566 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 37.8g 76% DV
Total Fat 124.1g 100% DV
Carbs 343g 100% DV
Fiber 30.2g 100% DV
Sugar 170g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1702.6mg 74% DV
Potassium 1732.8mg 37% DV
Cholesterol 18.8mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1375.5mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 67.4mg 75% DV
Vitamin D 10.2mcg 51% DV
Calcium 1312.8mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk 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 different fruits in this fruit cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding or substituting your favorite dried fruits, such as apricots, figs, or dates. Just ensure that the total amount of dried fruit remains approximately the same to maintain the texture.

How long does it take for the fruit cake to set?

The fruit cake typically needs to refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for the best firmness and flavor development. The longer it sets, the more the flavors meld together.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this no-bake fruit cake is suitable for vegetarians, as it contains no meat or animal products apart from the Eagle Brand milk. For a completely dairy-free version, consider using a plant-based sweetened condensed milk alternative.

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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