Fruit Cake, Kentucky Bourbon
A rich, boozy fruit cake infused with bourbon, featuring dried fruits, nuts, and spices, perfect for special occasions or holiday celebrations, appealing to those who enjoy decadent desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, nutmeg) in a separate bowl.
- Mix fruit, candied pineapple, cherries, orange marmalade, and chopped pecans in a large bowl.
- Gradually add 1 cup of dry ingredients to the egg and sugar mixture, alternating with bourbon, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Stir in the fruit mixture into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased and parchment-lined 10-inch pan.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2.5 to 3 hours until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan.
- Wrap the cooled cake in a dampened cloth soaked with bourbon.
- Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container with apple slices.
- Let the cake ripen for about 1 month before cutting.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer taste. You can also swap out pecans for walnuts if preferred. If you find the batter too thick, a splash of milk can help achieve the desired consistency. Ensure to use fresh ingredients, especially the fruits, to maximize flavor in your Fruit Cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Kentucky Bourbon Fruit Cake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of Mom'S Ice Cream for a delightful dessert. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a warm cup of spiced tea. It also makes a wonderful holiday gift when wrapped attractively, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Once the cake has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. To maintain moisture, include a few apple slices within the container. This cake improves in flavor over time, so it can be stored for several months in the fridge. If you prefer, it can be frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Cake, Kentucky Bourbon contains roughly 1889 calories, with 18g protein, 401g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (112% of the Daily Value), potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 702mg per serving (31% 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 cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This fruit cake is meant to be made in advance. In fact, letting it ripen for about a month enhances its flavors. After baking, follow the wrapping instructions to keep it moist and flavorful until you're ready to serve it.
What can I substitute for bourbon?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can replace it with a non-alcoholic alternative like apple juice or a mixture of vanilla extract and water. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, so it may not have the same depth as the original recipe.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Given the low baking temperature of 250°F, it may take 2.5 to 3 hours. Be patient, and check towards the end of the baking time to avoid overcooking.
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).