Grannie'S No Cook Fruit Cake
A no-bake fruit cake featuring crushed graham crackers, dates, marshmallows, and nuts, offering a sweet, nutty flavor perfect for quick desserts or holiday treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together crushed graham crackers, coarsely chopped pecans, walnuts, and dates in a large bowl.
- In a double boiler, heat the milk and marshmallows until the marshmallows are melted.
- Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the cracker and nut mixture.
- Stir the mixture by hand until well combined, adding a little Pet milk if necessary to loosen.
- Pack the mixture into a loaf pan lined with wax paper.
- Refrigerate until firm before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful cake, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon to the mixture. If you prefer a different nut, feel free to substitute pecans with almonds or hazelnuts. Ensure the graham crackers are finely crushed to help bind the ingredients together. If you don't have Eagle Brand milk on hand, sweetened condensed milk is a great alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the fruit cake into thick pieces and serve it as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with Icebox Banana Cream Pie for a delightful dessert spread. For added texture, consider serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store the fruit cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This dessert benefits from chilling, as it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up. If you need to reheat it, slice the cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grannie'S No Cook Fruit Cake contains roughly 3375 calories, with 56g protein, 403g carbohydrates, and 184g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (204% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (140% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2414mg per serving (105% 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 other types of dried fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute dates with other dried fruits like figs or apricots for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to chop them coarsely, similar to how you would with dates, to maintain the cake's texture.
How long does this fruit cake last?
The no-cook fruit cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It may even taste better after a few days as the flavors continue to develop. Just ensure it's kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You can make a vegan version by using a plant-based milk alternative and vegan marshmallows. Ensure that the graham crackers used are also vegan-friendly, as some brands contain honey or dairy.
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).