Famous Wesson Oil Fruit Cake
A rich, moist fruitcake featuring candied cherries, pineapple, figs, and nuts, infused with warm spices and orange juice, perfect for festive occasions or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Wesson oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup thinly sliced citron ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups whole candied cherries
- 1 cup candied pineapple ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped figs
- 1 cup seedless raisins ⓘ
- 3 cups nuts ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons allspice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 1 cup orange juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Line pans with lightly greased brown paper.
- Combine Wesson oil, brown sugar, and eggs in a large bowl.
- Beat for 2 minutes until well blended.
- Combine 1 cup of flour with nuts and fruits; set aside.
- Sift remaining flour with baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Alternately stir flour mixture and orange juice into the oil mixture.
- Pour batter over fruit mixture and blend well.
- Turn the batter into prepared pans.
- Place a pan of water on the lower oven rack to create steam.
- Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake on wire racks.
- Remove from pans and peel off paper before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider adding a bit more orange juice or incorporating applesauce as a substitute for some oil. If fresh fruit is available, you can use it instead of candied fruits, but adjust the sugar accordingly. Ensure you sift the flour well to avoid lumps and achieve a lighter texture. This cake can also be made with a mix of nuts for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the fruit cake plain or with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful afternoon treat. Consider serving it alongside Easy Cherry-Nut Bread for a charming dessert platter at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil and refrigerate for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let it come to room temperature or warm it gently in the oven for a few minutes to enhance its flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Famous Wesson Oil Fruit Cake contains roughly 711 calories, with 8g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1041mg per serving (45% 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 substitute the Wesson oil with another type of oil?
Yes, you can use any neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil. If you prefer a richer flavor, try using melted coconut oil. Just ensure the substitute oil has a similar consistency to maintain the cake's moisture.
How can I prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the cake?
Coating the fruit and nuts in a little bit of flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking. This technique adds weight to the fruit, allowing it to remain evenly distributed throughout the cake during baking.
Is it necessary to line the pans with brown paper?
While it's not strictly necessary, lining the pans with brown paper helps to prevent the cake from sticking and ensures even baking. It also provides an additional layer of protection against over-browning, especially for longer baking times like this recipe.
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).