Festive Refrigerator Fruit Cake
A rich and festive refrigerator fruit cake packed with dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices. Its moist texture and sweet, spicy flavors make it perfect for holiday celebrations or special occasions, appealing to those who enjoy traditional, no-bake desserts with a fruity twist.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk ⓘ
- 16 marshmallows, finely cut ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons orange juice ⓘ
- 4 dozen graham crackers, rolled into fine crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dates, cut fine
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 3/4 cup English walnuts ⓘ
- 1/3 cup candied pineapple ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons candied orange peel
- maraschino cherries ⓘ
Instructions
- Put evaporated milk, marshmallows, and orange juice in a bowl and let stand until needed.
- Put graham cracker crumbs into a large bowl.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, dates, raisins, English walnuts, candied pineapple, candied orange peel, and maraschino cherries.
- Add the milk mixture.
- Mix with a spoon, then by hand until crumbs are moistened.
- Press firmly into a pan lined with waxed paper.
- Top with additional fruit and nuts.
- Cover tightly.
- Chill for 2 days before slicing.
- Keep in a cool place.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the milk mixture. If you don't have English walnuts, pecans or almonds make great substitutes. To save time, use pre-packaged graham cracker crumbs instead of rolling your own. Ensure all ingredients are well mixed to prevent dry spots in the cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this festive refrigerator fruit cake as a delightful dessert for holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. For a complete meal, consider serving it with That Stuff Gina Made(Brunch Casserole) for a festive brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This cake actually improves in flavor after a couple of days, so it’s perfect for making ahead. It can be sliced directly from the fridge and served cold, or allowed to come to room temperature for a softer texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Festive Refrigerator Fruit Cake contains roughly 739 calories, with 10g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (109% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. It also contributes 30g 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 fresh fruit instead of dried fruit in this recipe?
While fresh fruit can add a nice flavor, it may affect the consistency of the cake. Dried fruits like raisins and dates provide sweetness and moisture that helps bind the ingredients together. If you prefer fresh fruit, consider using it as a topping instead of mixing it in.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this refrigerator fruit cake gluten-free, substitute regular graham crackers with gluten-free versions available in stores. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the marshmallows and any additives, are gluten-free as well. This adaptation will allow everyone to enjoy this festive treat without concern.
What can I do if I don't like nuts?
If you're not a fan of nuts, you can simply omit them from the recipe without affecting the overall flavor. Alternatively, you can replace the nuts with additional dried fruit or even some seeds for added texture without the nutty flavor.
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).