Fruit Cake Bonbons
Fruit Cake Bonbons offer a delightful combination of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet, flavorful treat for any season.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. can frozen orange juice
- 2 cups mixed peel ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup molasses ⓘ
- 3 cups raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- green or red cherries ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, molasses, and raisins. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add fruit peel.
- Cream butter, sugar, and eggs one at a time.
- In a separate bowl, stir together flour, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon.
- Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture gradually.
- Pour in the orange mixture and add chopped nuts. Mix well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of brandy or rum to the orange juice mixture. You can substitute the mixed peel with dried cranberries or apricots if preferred. When creaming the butter and sugar, ensure the butter is softened for easier mixing. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Serving Suggestions
These bonbons are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an elegant dessert presentation, serve them alongside a slice of Harry'S Cream Cheese Pound Cake or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a festive addition to holiday dessert platters, complementing other sweet treats.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Fruit Cake Bonbons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds or allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Cake Bonbons contains roughly 247 calories, with 4g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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 make these bonbons ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the fruit cake bonbons a few days in advance. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. They will develop more flavor as they sit, making them a great make-ahead treat.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you prefer not to use raisins, you can substitute them with dried figs, apricots, or cranberries. Each will add a unique flavor and texture to the bonbons, ensuring they remain delicious regardless of the fruit used.
Are there any dietary adaptations for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for dietary needs. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use a plant-based butter alternative.
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).