Mable V. Brown'S Best-Ever Dark Fruit Cake
A rich, moist fruit cake packed with raisins, citron, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for celebrations and festive gatherings, appealing to lovers of traditional baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy saucepan, cover raisins with water and cook until 1 cup of liquid remains.
- Drain the raisins, reserving the liquid, and allow to cool.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the well-beaten eggs gradually, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine the cooled raisins with the reserved liquid.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg.
- Stir the diced citron and chopped nuts into the flour mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the raisin liquid, mixing well.
- Fold in the drained raisins and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider soaking the raisins in rum or brandy overnight before cooking them. If you don't have citron, you can substitute with mixed candied peel or additional raisins. To save time, you can use pre-chopped nuts. Make sure to monitor the baking closely, as oven temperatures can vary. This cake develops even more flavor over time, making it ideal for holiday gatherings like the Old Mansion Holiday Cake.
Serving Suggestions
This dark fruit cake is best served with a cup of tea or coffee. It pairs beautifully with Candied Carrots(Yields 4 To 6 Servings) for a festive meal. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. It also makes a great gift during the holidays, as it keeps well and is a delightful treat for friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Once completely cooled, wrap the fruit cake in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it to keep it fresh for up to a month. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold as it’s delicious at any temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mable V. Brown'S Best-Ever Dark Fruit Cake contains roughly 705 calories, with 7g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 13g 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 other types of dried fruit in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the raisins with other dried fruits like currants, chopped dates, or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the total amount of dried fruit remains the same to maintain the cake's texture.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. Start checking around the 75-minute mark, as ovens may vary. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning.
Can I freeze this dark fruit cake?
Absolutely! This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.
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).