Delta Delight Fruit Cake
Delta Delight Fruit Cake is a rich, dense treat packed with dates, candied cherries, and chopped pecans. Its moist texture and sweet, nutty flavors make it perfect for special occasions or holiday celebrations, appealing to those who enjoy traditional fruit cakes with a luxurious twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat eggs together.
- Add the sugar and cream well.
- Add flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla, and almond flavorings.
- Add chopped dates, candied cherries, pineapple, and chopped pecans.
- Hand mix well.
- Pack into a wax paper-lined, greased, and floured tube pan.
- Bake at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 to 5 hours over a pan of water.
- Let the cake cool completely before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Delta Delight Fruit Cake, consider soaking the chopped dates and candied cherries in a bit of rum or orange juice before adding them to the batter. If you don’t have almond flavoring, you can use additional vanilla or replace it with hazelnut extract. Make sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid a dense cake; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Delta Delight Fruit Cake and serve it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with Tropical Fruit Salad(No Fat, Low Sugar) for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat, or serve it as a festive dessert during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze slices of the cake, wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. To reheat, simply let slices thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delta Delight Fruit Cake contains roughly 198 calories, with 3g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 749mg per serving (33% 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
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or a commercial egg replacer. For this recipe, 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana can replace one egg. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, making it denser.
Can I use different nuts in this fruit cake?
Absolutely! While pecans add a lovely flavor and crunch, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts. Just make sure to chop them roughly for even distribution throughout the cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Since this cake bakes at a low temperature for several hours, use a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center to check for doneness. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. Allow it to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack.
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).