Friendship Fruitcake
A rich, spiced fruitcake packed with candied fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, perfect for sharing during festive occasions or as a memorable treat for loved ones.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crush vanilla wafers into fine crumbs.
- In a very large container, mix sugar, salt, spices, and crumbs.
- Beat eggs and evaporated milk together and add to the dry mixture.
- Add candied orange peel, candied citron, candied cherries, raisins, and broken pecans, mixing well.
- Spoon the mixture into a tube pan completely lined with aluminum foil and greased.
- Decorate the top with whole candied pineapple slices and candied cherries.
- Cover with foil tightly and bake in a 225°F (107°C) oven for 2 1/2 hours.
- Remove the foil from the top for the last 30 minutes of baking.
- Cool completely in the pan.
- Remove from the pan, wrap in foil, and store in the refrigerator.
- Best enjoyed after aging for a few weeks, preferably made in September or October.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the sugar with brown sugar. If you're short on pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used as alternatives. To enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of ground cloves. This fruitcake benefits from aging, so making it a few weeks in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Ensure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this Friendship Fruitcake with a hot beverage, such as spiced tea or mulled cider, for a cozy treat. It also pairs beautifully with a slice of the 'Peachy' Cobbler for dessert. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for added indulgence at gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled fruitcake wrapped in aluminum foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for several weeks, improving in flavor as it ages. If you want to serve it warm, you can slice and briefly heat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, keeping it moist and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Friendship Fruitcake contains roughly 364 calories, with 5g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 693mg per serving (30% 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?
Absolutely! In fact, it's recommended to make this fruitcake a few weeks in advance. The flavors develop and intensify as it ages, making it even more delicious when served after some time. Just ensure it's well-wrapped to keep it fresh.
What can I use instead of candied citrus peel?
If you don't have candied citrus peel, you can substitute it with finely chopped dried fruit such as apricots or figs. For a similar flavor profile, consider using a bit of orange or lemon zest to add that citrus note without the candy.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
To make a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar and use whole grain or gluten-free vanilla wafers. Additionally, consider reducing the amount of candied fruits and replacing them with fresh or dried fruits without added sugar for a lighter option.
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).