Graham Cracker Fruit Cake
A no-bake, sweet and nutty layered fruit cake with graham crackers, raisins, cherries, candied fruit, and pecans, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine, marshmallows, and cherry juice in a double boiler.
- Pour the melted mixture over crushed graham crackers, raisins, cherries, candied fruit, and chopped pecans.
- Mix well until evenly combined.
- Pack the mixture into a graham cracker box or similar container.
- Chill until firm.
- Keep refrigerated and serve as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the melted mixture. You can substitute the margarine with butter for a more traditional taste. If you prefer, use different nuts like walnuts or almonds, or even omit them for a nut-free version. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or fewer raisins according to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Graham Cracker Fruit Cake as a delightful dessert or snack, and it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider serving it alongside Louisiana Beans And Rice for a complete meal experience, or enjoy it with coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing as it may become too soft upon thawing. Serve chilled for the best flavor, and cut into squares for easy serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Graham Cracker Fruit Cake contains roughly 1237 calories, with 14g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (57% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), and calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1099mg per serving (48% 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 use different types of fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the fruit mix with your favorites, such as dried apricots or figs. Just ensure the total amount of fruit stays similar to maintain the cake's structure.
How long should I chill the cake before serving?
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows it to firm up properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
This recipe is not gluten-free or vegan as it contains graham crackers and margarine. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers, and substitute margarine with a plant-based butter. Always check labels for dietary restrictions.
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).