Layered Fruit Cake
A rich layered fruit cake combining spiced cake layers with assorted fruit preserves and candied orange slices, perfect for festive occasions or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 c. sugar ⓘ
- 5 eggs ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. cocoa
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
- 1 c. milk
- 1 c. chopped orange slice candy
- 1 c. chopped pecans
- 1/2 c. peach preserves ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cherry preserves ⓘ
- 1/2 c. red plum jam ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. almond extract ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. butter flavoring ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. lemon extract ⓘ
- 1/2 c. peach preserves
- 1 Tbsp. water
Instructions
- Cream butter, gradually add sugar, beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients, mixing after each addition.
- Fold in chopped orange slice candy and chopped pecans.
- Divide batter into layers if baking separately, or pour into prepared pan(s).
- Bake at appropriate temperature (not specified) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Spread peach preserves, cherry preserves, and red plum jam between layers or on top as desired.
- Mix vanilla extract, almond extract, butter flavoring, lemon extract, water, and additional peach preserves to prepare the glaze or filling as desired.
- Assemble the layers with fruit preserves and candied orange slices, then decorate as preferred.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, use unsweetened applesauce as a partial substitute for butter. You can also replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the batter. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the layers.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect for special occasions and pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh fruit or a drizzle of the glaze made from the extracts. It also complements other desserts like the Diabetic Strawberry Shake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Layered Fruit Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it will last up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warmed through, ensuring not to dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Fruit Cake contains roughly 1361 calories, with 27g protein, 247g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (297% of the Daily Value), iron (161% of the Daily Value), and calcium (115% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 937mg per serving (41% 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 preserves in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot. Just ensure they complement the flavors of the cake. The variety will add an exciting twist to your Layered Fruit Cake.
What can I do if my cake layers are uneven?
If your cake layers are uneven, you can trim the tops with a serrated knife to level them out before stacking. This will not only help in even assembly but also make for a more polished presentation.
How can I make this cake more festive for holidays?
To make your Layered Fruit Cake more festive, consider adding holiday spices like nutmeg and cinnamon in larger quantities. Additionally, you can decorate with candied fruits, edible glitter, or seasonal sprinkles for a vibrant touch.
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).