Jewel-Toned Fruitcake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 105 min Serves: 8

Vibrant jewel-toned fruitcake packed with dried fruits, nuts, and candied pineapple, offering rich flavors and chewy textures, perfect for festive occasions or special gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried apricots
  • 2 cups pitted dates
  • 1 cup drained red and/or green maraschinos
  • 1 1/2 cups Brazil nuts
  • 1 cup red and green candied pineapple
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

  1. Leave all ingredients whole and mix them in a large bowl.
  2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
  3. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
  4. Spoon the mixture into a 9 x 5 x 3-inch waxed paper-lined and greased pan.
  5. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan.
  6. Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes or until a pick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider soaking the dried fruits in a splash of rum or orange juice for a few hours before mixing. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for the Brazil nuts. Make sure to finely chop the nuts to ensure even distribution in the batter.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the Jewel-Toned Fruitcake and serve it as a delightful dessert or as part of a festive brunch spread. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a special touch, consider drizzling a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top or serve it alongside a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover fruitcake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jewel-Toned Fruitcake contains roughly 442 calories, with 4g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 998mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

442 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.5g 9% DV
Total Fat 2.7g 3% DV
Carbs 78.9g 29% DV
Fiber 5.9g 21% DV
Sugar 22.2g 44% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 997.6mg 43% DV
Potassium 651.9mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 58.1mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 59.3mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 25.4mg 28% DV
Calcium 235.6mg 18% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 fresh fruits instead of dried fruits in this recipe?

Fresh fruits will not work well in this recipe, as they contain too much moisture, which can affect the texture and baking time. Stick to dried fruits like apricots and dates for the best results.

Is it possible to make this fruitcake vegan?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by replacing the eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, like the candied fruit, are vegan-friendly.

How can I make this fruitcake more festive?

To enhance the festive vibe, try adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the batter. You can also fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture. A sprinkle of edible glitter on top after glazing can add a holiday sparkle.

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).

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