Mother'S Christmas Fruitcake
A rich and festive Christmas fruitcake packed with cherries, prunes, walnuts, and spices, perfect for holiday celebrations and enjoyed by those who love moist, flavorful baked treats.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup maraschino cherries (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) jar ready-to-serve prunes in heavy syrup (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable shortening ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp whiskey ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/4 oz.) can unsweetened crushed pineapple (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) box raisins ⓘ
- 4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 tsp baking soda ⓘ
- 1 tsp ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain cherries, reserving 3 tablespoons of juice. Cut cherries in half and set aside.
- Drain prunes, reserving 6 tablespoons of syrup. Pit prunes and set aside.
- Cream sugar, vegetable shortening, and eggs at medium speed of a mixer for 2 minutes or until smooth.
- Stir in cherries, reserved cherry juice, prunes, reserved prune syrup, walnuts, cinnamon, baking soda, cloves, and salt.
- Combine flour and the remaining dry ingredients; add to the creamed mixture and stir well.
- Spoon batter into a 10-inch tube pan coated with vegetable cooking spray.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
- Remove from the pan and let cool completely.
- Store tightly wrapped in heavy-duty plastic wrap.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister fruitcake, consider adding an extra tablespoon of whiskey or a splash of orange juice. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can work well as substitutes. You can also adjust the spices to your preference; adding nutmeg or cardamom can enhance the flavor. Remember to use high-quality dried fruits for the best results. This cake is dense, so be sure to bake it thoroughly to avoid a soggy center.
Serving Suggestions
This fruitcake is delightful on its own, but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness. Pair it with a warm beverage like spiced cider or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Aunt Von's Jello for a colorful dessert spread. It also makes a wonderful gift during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Once completely cooled, wrap the fruitcake tightly in heavy-duty plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing it; wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To reheat, slice and warm in a low oven or microwave briefly until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Christmas Fruitcake contains roughly 185 calories, with 1g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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 fresh fruit instead of canned?
While fresh fruit can add a unique flavor, it may affect the texture and moisture of the cake. If you choose to use fresh fruit, ensure it's well-drained and chopped into small pieces. However, the traditional recipe benefits from the preserved fruit's sweetness and moisture, so consider using a mix of both for the best results.
How long will this fruitcake last?
When stored properly, this fruitcake can last up to two weeks at room temperature. To extend its shelf life, wrap it tightly and freeze it; it can last for several months in the freezer. Just be sure to defrost it in the refrigerator before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.
Can I make this fruitcake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a few days in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Some even recommend making it weeks ahead for enhanced taste. Just store it wrapped tightly to keep it moist, and remember to check for freshness before serving.
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).