Holiday Fruit Cake
A rich, fruity holiday fruit cake packed with raisins, dates, candied fruits, and nuts, offering a moist texture and warm spices. Perfect for festive gatherings, it combines sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors, appealing to those who enjoy traditional seasonal desserts or hearty fruitcakes.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups small raisins ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups pitted dates, cut up ⓘ
- 2 cups large Muscat raisins ⓘ
- 2 cups currants ⓘ
- 2 small jars candied pineapple ⓘ
- 2 small jars candied cherries ⓘ
- 2 cups walnuts or pecans ⓘ
- 3 cups white sugar ⓘ
- 3 cups boiling water ⓘ
- 8 tablespoons shortening ⓘ
- 4 cups plain flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Put raisins, dates, candied pineapple, candied cherries, sugar, water, and shortening in a large pot; bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cool the mixture.
- Sift flour once before measuring.
- Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt and sift together.
- Stir the sifted dry ingredients into the cooled fruit mixture.
- Add eggs and nuts last, mixing well.
- Pour the batter into a very well-greased and floured pan.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Holiday Fruit Cake, consider soaking the dried fruits in rum or orange juice overnight before adding them to the mixture. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with butter or coconut oil. For a nut-free option, simply omit the walnuts or pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds. Ensure that the flour is sifted to prevent clumping and achieve a lighter texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Holiday Fruit Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Pecan Molasses Pie for a festive dessert spread. Consider adding a side of spiced tea or coffee to complement the rich flavors of the cake. This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings and can also be enjoyed with a cheese platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Holiday Fruit Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge, where it can last for up to a month. To reheat, slice the cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Fruit Cake contains roughly 1851 calories, with 27g protein, 198g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (99% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and protein (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1029mg per serving (45% 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 cake ahead of time?
Yes, the Holiday Fruit Cake actually improves in flavor when made ahead of time. You can bake it up to two weeks in advance. Just make sure to wrap it well and store it in a cool, dry place. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.
What can I substitute for the candied fruits?
If you prefer not to use candied fruits, you can substitute with dried fruits like apricots, figs, or cranberries for a healthier option. Just chop them into smaller pieces to mimic the texture of candied fruits. This variation will still yield a flavorful cake while providing a different taste profile.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version of the Holiday Fruit Cake, you can swap the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for better texture. This way, you can still enjoy this festive treat without gluten.
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).