Gumdrop Orange Slice Fruit Cake
A moist and flavorful fruit cake packed with dates, gumdrop orange slices, cherries, nuts, and coconut, perfect for festive occasions or as a rich teatime treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop all fruits, nuts, coconut, and candies.
- Mix the chopped fruits, nuts, coconut, and candies in one bowl.
- Toss 1/2 cup of flour with the fruit mixture to coat.
- Cream the margarine and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time and beat well.
- Sift the soda with the remaining flour.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour.
- Add vanilla extract to the batter and mix well.
- Combine the batter with the fruit mixture, folding gently.
- Pour the batter into a greased tube pan.
- Bake at 300°F (approximately 150°C) for 2 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven, and while still hot, remove from the pan and ice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose. Make sure to chop the gumdrop orange slices into small pieces for even distribution throughout the cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Gumdrop Orange Slice Fruit Cake is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an excellent choice for afternoon gatherings. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Sweet Deviled Eggs at holiday parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For extended freshness, you can refrigerate the cake, where it will last for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply slice a piece and warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until just warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gumdrop Orange Slice Fruit Cake contains roughly 829 calories, with 15g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 483mg per serving (21% 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 make this fruit cake in advance?
Absolutely! This fruit cake actually tastes better when made a day or two ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture and flavor.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using, and it will work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I use different fruits in this cake?
Yes, you can customize this cake by using a mix of your favorite dried fruits or candies. Just ensure that the total amount remains similar to the original recipe for balance. Dried apricots or cranberries could be excellent alternatives!
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).