Miniature Christmas Fruitcakes
Miniature Christmas Fruitcakes are rich, moist treats filled with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings and festive celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup light molasses ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) box raisins ⓘ
- 1 pound candied fruit, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped nuts ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine molasses, water, and vanilla; add raisins and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in candied fruit; cool.
- Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix together dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk.
- Stir in fruit mixture; mix well.
- Fold in chopped nuts.
- Spoon into paper-lined miniature muffin tins, filling almost to the top.
- Bake at 325°F for 22 to 24 minutes until cakes test done.
- Cool on wire racks. Store in airtight containers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. You can substitute the candied fruit with dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for a different twist. If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar to 1/4 cup. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing, and if you have leftovers, they can be sliced and served with a dollop of whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions
These miniature Christmas fruitcakes can be served as a festive dessert or a special treat during holiday gatherings. They pair beautifully with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a cheese platter for a savory contrast. For a unique touch, drizzle with a simple icing or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store the miniature fruitcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or enjoy them at room temperature for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Miniature Christmas Fruitcakes contains roughly 1519 calories, with 11g protein, 146g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (162% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1374mg per serving (60% 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 these fruitcakes ahead of time?
Yes, these fruitcakes can be made several days in advance. In fact, they often taste better after sitting for a day or two as the flavors meld. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and consider wrapping them in foil for added moisture retention.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg. This will help bind the ingredients while keeping the fruitcakes moist and delicious.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum to help with the texture. Additionally, double-check all other ingredients for gluten content to ensure a completely gluten-free dessert.
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).