Molasses Fruit Cake
A rich, spiced fruit cake featuring molasses, ginger, and nutmeg, perfect for festive occasions or cozy gatherings, with a moist texture and flavorful dried fruit topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put all ingredients together and knead to a stiff dough.
- Shape or prepare the dough as desired and bake at 325°F until brown.
- Use dried fruit to stack or layer as desired.
- Sweeten the dried fruit and add spice and a little cinnamon for flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark molasses instead of light. If you don't have buttermilk, substitute with 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Kneading the dough until stiff ensures it holds its shape during baking. Additionally, adding chopped nuts can enhance texture and flavor, making it similar to the texture found in American recipes for fruit cakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the molasses fruit cake warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also enjoy it with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a more festive touch, consider serving it with Betty Maloney'S Fruit Salad on the side for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover molasses 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 refrigerator, where it can last for up to a month. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to maintain its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Molasses Fruit Cake contains roughly 1030 calories, with 6g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value) and calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 584mg per serving (25% 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 fresh fruit instead of dried fruit in this recipe?
While dried fruit is traditionally used for its concentrated sweetness and texture, you can add fresh fruit. However, you may need to adjust baking time and reduce the liquid ingredients slightly to accommodate the moisture from fresh fruit.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of molasses fruit cake, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, including baking powder and baking soda, are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as it can become tough. If using liquid sweeteners, consider minimizing the amount to help with consistency.
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).