Grannies Fruit Cake
A rich, fruity cake packed with dates, raisins, mixed fruits, and nuts, baked slowly to develop deep flavors, perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dates, pitted ⓘ
- 2/3 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dark molasses ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins, seedless ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups hot water ⓘ
- 1 pound mixed fruit (pineapple, cherry) ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped nuts ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 3 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon soda ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine dates, butter, dark molasses, raisins, brown sugar, and hot water in a large mixing bowl.
- Boil gently for 3 minutes, then cool.
- Add mixed fruit and chopped nuts to the mixture.
- Beat in eggs until well combined.
- Sift in flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, salt, and soda into the mixture.
- Beat well after each addition.
- Pour the batter into a tube pan.
- Bake in a very slow oven at 275°F (135°C) for 2½ hours or until the cake is completely done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with applesauce or yogurt. If you don't have mixed fruit, you can use any dried fruit you prefer, such as apricots or figs. Ensure the dates and raisins are finely chopped for better distribution in the cake. If you prefer a lighter cake, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Grannies Fruit Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. This cake pairs beautifully with coffee, making it a perfect choice for afternoon gatherings. You can also enjoy it alongside a slice of Traditional Irish Soda Bread for a varied texture experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, simply slice and serve at room temperature or warm it slightly in the oven for a cozy treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grannies Fruit Cake contains roughly 2441 calories, with 34g protein, 380g carbohydrates, and 99g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (67% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), and calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1518mg per serving (66% 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 nuts in this fruit cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the chopped nuts for your favorites, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Just keep in mind that different nuts will impart different flavors and textures to the cake, so choose according to your preference.
How do I know when the fruit cake is done baking?
To check if your fruit cake is done, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes and check again.
Can I make this fruit cake ahead of time?
Yes, this fruit cake actually tastes better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. You can bake it a few days in advance and store it properly. Just be sure to keep it sealed to maintain moisture and flavor until you are ready to serve.
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).