German Fruit Cake
German Fruit Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert featuring a rich blend of fruit preserves and warm spices. Its tender crumb is complemented by the crunch of pecans (if desired), making it perfect for special occasions or teatime indulgence with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the butter, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
- Sift together the flour, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon.
- Add the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk to which the soda has been added, mixing gently.
- Fold in the preserves, vanilla, and pecans (if using) gently into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured angel food cake pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and cool for 15 minutes before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider using half butter and half applesauce in place of the butter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Ensure that your preserves are evenly distributed in the batter by folding them in gently. This cake is similar in texture to a Southern Pound Cake, so feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful served plain, but you can elevate it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a fun twist, serve it alongside French Toast With Bananas 'N Brandy Coulis for a brunch that will impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover German Fruit Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw at room temperature and warm it gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of German Fruit Cake contains roughly 596 calories, with 7g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 11g 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 types of preserves?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite fruit preserves. Other delicious options include raspberry, strawberry, or even fig preserves. Just be sure to maintain the same total volume of preserves to keep the texture consistent.
What can I do if I don't have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about five minutes before using it in the recipe. This will give you a similar tangy flavor and acidity.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead of time! You can bake it up to a week in advance. Just be sure to store it properly as mentioned above. It also tastes great after a day or two when the flavors have melded 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).