Dried Apple Fruitcake
A rich, fruity fruitcake packed with dried apples, cherries, candied pineapple, and warm spices, perfect for festive occasions or hearty dessert lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 1/2 cups dried apples, cooked ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons soda ⓘ
- 4 cups flour ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 pint preserves ⓘ
- 1 pound red cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 pound green cherries ⓘ
- 1 pound candied pineapple (red and green)
- 4 cups pecans
- 2 cups dark raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup white raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Pour hot water over the raisins; let soak.
- Drain the raisins well before adding to the batter.
- Cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and beat well. Incorporate the cooked dried apples and soda.
- Add flour and spices to the mixture.
- Stir in preserves, candied fruit, and soaked raisins.
- Add the nuts, which have been rolled in flour, to the batter.
- Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan or pans.
- Bake at 275°F (135°C) for 3 hours until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of orange zest. If dried apples are not available, you can substitute with dried peaches or apricots. To enhance the fruitiness, use a mix of dried fruits. Ensure the pecans are fresh for the best taste, and lightly toasting them can add an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the dried apple fruitcake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Apple Or Cherry Cheese Pie for a festive dessert table. Consider enjoying it alongside a warm beverage like spiced cider or coffee for a cozy treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled fruitcake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for up to a month. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to six months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dried Apple Fruitcake contains roughly 899 calories, with 12g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 18g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fruitcake in advance?
Yes, this fruitcake actually improves in flavor when made in advance. Prepare it a week ahead and store it tightly wrapped. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it a perfect choice for holiday gatherings.
What can I substitute for the candied pineapple?
If you don't have candied pineapple, you can use chopped dried apricots or even fresh pineapple. Just keep in mind that fresh fruit may alter the moisture content, so adjust baking time accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or fish products. However, check that the preserves and any additional ingredients used are also vegetarian-friendly.
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).