Grandma'S Fruitcake

Prep: 30 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Grandma's Fruitcake is a rich, moist treat packed with colorful dried fruits and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions with warm spices and sweet flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb butter
  • 1 lb brown sugar
  • 12 eggs
  • 3.5 cups flour
  • 0.5 cup flour (for fruit and nuts)
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 0.5 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp allspice
  • 2 boxes raisins or dates
  • 1 lb cherries (red and green)
  • 1 lb pineapple (mixed colors)

Instructions

  1. Melt butter and brown sugar together.
  2. Add eggs, flour, vanilla, cinnamon, and allspice; mix well.
  3. Cut the dried fruits (raisins or dates, cherries, pineapple) and nuts into small pieces.
  4. Toss the fruit and nuts in 1/2 cup of flour to coat, then add to the batter and mix thoroughly.
  5. Stir in crushed pineapple.
  6. Pour the batter into prepared loaf pans sprayed with vegetable oil.
  7. Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 1 hour or at 300°F (149°C) for 2 hours.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a touch of nutmeg. You can substitute half of the butter with applesauce for a lighter version. If you're short on time, pre-chopped mixed dried fruit can save you prep time. Ensure to coat the fruits and nuts in flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.

Serving Suggestions

This fruitcake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve it alongside a cup of spiced tea for a cozy dessert experience. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with candied fruits or nuts.

Storage & Reheating

Let the fruitcake cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the fruitcake. To reheat, wrap in foil and place in a low oven until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Fruitcake contains roughly 2447 calories, with 16g protein, 292g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (61% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 768mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

2447 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.4g 33% DV
Total Fat 122.5g 100% DV
Carbs 292.3g 100% DV
Fiber 10.4g 37% DV
Sugar 132g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 767.6mg 33% DV
Potassium 1474.4mg 31% DV
Cholesterol 491.8mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 72.8mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 19.9mg 22% DV
Calcium 799.1mg 61% DV
Iron 7.6mg 42% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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

What do I do if my fruitcake is too dense?

If your fruitcake turns out too dense, it may be due to overmixing or too much flour. Ensure to mix the batter just until combined and measure the ingredients accurately. Adding a bit more baking powder can also help lighten the 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).

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