Fruitcake Balls
Sweet and nutty fruitcake balls bursting with dried cherries, pecans, and spices, perfect for festive occasions or a delightful holiday treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and brown sugar together until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, soda, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in dry cherries, chopped pecans, crystallized pineapple, and white raisins.
- Roll the mixture into small balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider soaking the dry cherries and white raisins in rum or orange juice for a few hours before adding them to the mix. If you don't have pecans, walnuts can be a great substitute. Also, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. This recipe is perfect for the holiday season, similar to traditional American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These fruitcake balls are delightful on their own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside other treats like Butter Jumbles Cookies(Cut Outs) or Zella'S Banana Fruit Bread, perfect for festive gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store the fruitcake balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring they stay moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruitcake Balls contains roughly 372 calories, with 6g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (11% 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 use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with almonds or hazelnuts if you prefer. Just make sure to chop them finely to ensure even distribution throughout the fruitcake balls.
How can I make these fruitcake balls healthier?
To make a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or replace half of it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of plain flour can increase the nutritional value.
Can I make these fruitcake balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! These fruitcake balls can be made a few days in advance. Just follow the recipe and store them in an airtight container. They often taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld together.
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).