Dearborn Inn Fruitcake
A rich, fruit-filled cake with nuts and spices, ideal for holiday celebrations or special occasions, offering a moist texture and festive flavors that suit both family gatherings and gifting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 10-inch tube pan.
- Line the bottom and sides of the pan with heavy brown paper.
- In a large bowl, combine raisins, currants, dates, candied peel, nuts, candied cherries, apples, and orange. Sift 1/4 cup flour over the mixture.
- Mix the fruit and nut mixture well.
- Sift the remaining flour with baking powder and spices.
- Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Beat butter with light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, then add molasses.
- Stir the fruit and nut mixture into the egg mixture using a wooden spoon.
- Add the flour mixture, mixing well to combine.
- Turn the batter into the prepared pan. Press with a spatula to spread evenly.
- Bake for 2 1/2 hours, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack.
- Remove the cake from the pan.
- Peel off the paper lining.
- Wrap the cake in foil and store in the refrigerator or an airtight tin for at least 2 weeks.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve a light and fluffy texture. If you don’t have black walnuts, you can substitute with regular walnuts or pecans for a milder flavor. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste—adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the warmth. Ensure your fruit is well-chopped to integrate smoothly into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the fruitcake and serve it as a delightful dessert or with afternoon tea. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or spiced tea. Consider topping it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of Rich Lemon Filling for added zest. This cake also makes a great gift during the holiday season, wrapped beautifully in festive paper.
Storage & Reheating
To store the Dearborn Inn Fruitcake, wrap it tightly in foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator or a cool place for up to several weeks. For optimal flavor, allow the cake to mature for at least two weeks before serving. If you want to enjoy it warm, simply slice and reheat in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dearborn Inn Fruitcake contains roughly 19 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 types of nuts in this fruitcake?
Yes, you can substitute with your favorite nuts. Pecans and almonds work well, but ensure to chop them finely. Adjust the quantity according to your preference, keeping the overall balance of fruit and nuts in check.
What can I do if my fruitcake is too dry?
If your fruitcake turns out dry, consider soaking it in a simple syrup made with equal parts water and sugar, or a splash of Peach Moonshine for flavor. This will help to moisten the cake without compromising its integrity.
How can I make this fruitcake more festive?
To make the fruitcake more festive, consider adding extra spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also incorporate a variety of dried fruits such as apricots or cranberries. Topping it with a glaze made from icing sugar and orange juice can add a lovely finish.
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).