Granny Hester'S White Fruitcake
A rich, festive white fruitcake packed with dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of wine, perfect for special occasions and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a tube pan well.
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Chop white raisins, candied pineapple, and red cherries.
- Toss chopped fruits with 1/2 cup of the required flour.
- Separate egg yolks and set whites aside.
- Beat egg yolks until light golden yellow.
- Gradually add sugar to yolks and beat well.
- Cream butter; gradually add remaining flour until smooth, then add egg and sugar mixture.
- Fold in well beaten egg whites.
- Gradually add floured fruit mixture into the batter.
- Add white wine; mix thoroughly.
- Stir in shelled almonds and pecans.
- Pour batter into the prepared tube pan.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 8 hours.
- Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the batter. If you don't have white wine, a splash of apple juice can be a suitable substitute. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the mixture. For a nut-free version, omit the almonds and pecans altogether or replace them with sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this rich fruitcake alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. It pairs beautifully with Sour Cream Jello for a refreshing contrast. For a festive touch, garnish with whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar. This cake also makes a wonderful addition to holiday dessert tables, encouraging guests to savor every bite.
Storage & Reheating
This fruitcake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a month. To keep it fresher longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before refrigerating. If you want to enjoy it warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low oven until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny Hester'S White Fruitcake contains roughly 2438 calories, with 41g protein, 262g carbohydrates, and 138g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), and protein (82% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 30g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fruits in this fruitcake?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for white raisins, candied pineapple, and cherries, feel free to experiment with other dried or candied fruits like apricots, figs, or cranberries. Just keep the total weight the same to maintain the cake's consistency.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare this fruitcake well in advance, as it actually improves in flavor over time. Bake it, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It can even be frozen for longer storage. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What type of pan should I use for this recipe?
A tube pan is ideal for this fruitcake because the central tube helps distribute heat evenly, resulting in a well-baked cake. If you don’t have a tube pan, a Bundt pan can be a good alternative, but ensure it is well-greased to prevent sticking.
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).