Grandmama'S Fruit Cake
Grandmama's Fruit Cake is a rich, dense dessert packed with a medley of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. Its deep flavors and moist texture make it perfect for festive occasions or family gatherings, offering a nostalgic taste of classic holiday baking with a delightful mix of citrus and fruit notes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb butter ⓘ
- 2 3/4 cups light brown sugar ⓘ
- 12 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grape juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 cup jelly ⓘ
- 6 cups plain flour ⓘ
- 1 lb container mixed fruit (cake fruit) ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cloves ⓘ
- 2 cups raisins ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped dates ⓘ
- 1/2 cup lemon peel ⓘ
- 1/2 cup orange peel ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped cherries ⓘ
- 2 cups crystallized pineapple, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix butter, eggs, sugar, orange juice, grape juice, lemon juice, buttermilk (with soda), and jelly together.
- Add 4 cups of flour to the mixture.
- Coat the mixed fruit (raisins, dates, lemon peel, orange peel, cherries, pineapple) with the remaining 2 cups of flour.
- Add the floured fruit and the remaining 2 cups over the batter, coating it well.
- Add all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) and fold into the mixture.
- Stir in the pecans.
- Pour the batter into prepared pans lined with greased and floured paper from grocery bags.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for approximately 3.5 hours or until a cake tester comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before testing for doneness and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider soaking the mixed fruits in a bit of rum or juice overnight before adding them to the batter. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing, and use fresh spices for the best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This fruit cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat. For added indulgence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also makes a delightful gift during the holiday season or can be enjoyed as part of a festive dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, placing it in the freezer for up to six months. To serve, allow it to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmama'S Fruit Cake contains roughly 5762 calories, with 81g protein, 724g carbohydrates, and 316g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (242% of the Daily Value), iron (166% of the Daily Value), and protein (161% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1542mg per serving (67% 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 cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the mixed fruit with your favorites, such as dried apricots or cranberries. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size to maintain even distribution throughout the cake.
How can I make this cake ahead of time?
This cake actually improves in flavor over time, so making it a week in advance is ideal. Store it well as mentioned above, and allow it to rest for a few days before serving for the best taste.
What can I do if the cake is too dense?
If your cake turns out denser than expected, next time try reducing the amount of flour slightly or increasing the liquids. Additionally, ensure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour, as this can lead to a tougher texture.
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).