Farmer'S Fruit Cake
A moist, flavorful fruit cake packed with chopped prunes and nuts, perfect for sharing during holidays or special occasions with warm spices and rich textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla and beat well.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Add the sifted ingredients alternately with sour milk to the creamed mixture and beat well.
- Fold in the chopped prunes and nuts and blend well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have sour milk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of orange juice or zest. This cake can also be adapted with dried fruits like raisins or apricots for variety.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or as a delightful dessert after a hearty meal. Serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Pair it with a cup of spiced chai or coffee for a comforting experience. It also goes well with cheese, making it a versatile option for a snack board alongside other treats like Pineapple 'Flop' Cake.
Storage & Reheating
After baking, let the Farmer's Fruit Cake cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Farmer'S Fruit Cake contains roughly 1801 calories, with 18g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 145g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. It also contributes 11g 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 use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chopped nuts, feel free to use your favorites, such as walnuts, pecans, or even almonds. Just keep in mind that different nuts can change the flavor and texture slightly, so choose ones that complement the spices in the cake.
How can I make this cake more moist?
To enhance moisture in your Farmer's Fruit Cake, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of sour milk or using buttermilk instead. Additionally, you could incorporate a bit of mashed banana or applesauce, which not only adds moisture but also a subtle flavor that pairs well with the spices.
Is this cake suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, the Farmer's Fruit Cake is suitable for vegetarian diets as it contains no meat or fish products. However, if you're serving it to strict vegetarians, ensure that the shortening used is plant-based. This cake can also be made vegan by substituting eggs with flax eggs or applesauce.
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).