Easy Holiday Fruitcake
A moist and flavorful holiday fruitcake packed with dried candied fruits, nuts, and a rich mince meat filling. Its sweet, spiced profile makes it an ideal festive treat for sharing with family and friends during special celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter and flour a 9-inch tube pan.
- Sift together the flour and baking soda.
- Combine eggs, mince meat, sweetened condensed milk, dried candied fruits and peels, and coarsely chopped walnuts.
- Fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2 hours, or until the center springs back when lightly touched and the top is golden.
- Cool slightly and turn out of the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider soaking the dried fruits in a bit of rum or juice beforehand. If you don't have mince meat, you can substitute with a mix of finely chopped fruits and spices. For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or use sunflower seeds. Make sure to sift the flour properly to avoid lumps in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Holiday Fruitcake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. It pairs beautifully with Holiday Deviled Eggs for a festive spread. Enjoy it with a cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy treat during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the fruitcake 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 it for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Holiday Fruitcake contains roughly 476 calories, with 11g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 782mg per serving (34% 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 make this fruitcake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this fruitcake several weeks in advance. In fact, it often tastes better after a few days as the flavors meld together. Just ensure it is stored properly, wrapped tightly to maintain moisture and flavor.
What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
If you prefer a lighter alternative, you can use evaporated milk mixed with a bit of sugar or honey. For a dairy-free option, consider coconut milk or almond milk combined with a sweetener, keeping in mind it may alter the texture slightly.
How do I know when the fruitcake is done baking?
The fruitcake is done when the center springs back lightly to touch and the top is golden. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your fruitcake is ready. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary slightly.
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).