Mother'S Old-Fashioned Dried Apple Fruit Cake
A nostalgic and hearty homemade fruit cake featuring dried apples, warm spices, and a tender crumb, perfect for family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the self-rising flour into a large bowl.
- Make a large hole in the center of the flour and add the sugar, Crisco, buttermilk, eggs, cinnamon, cloves or allspice, and nutmeg.
- Mix the ingredients with the flour until the mixture becomes very stiff, adding plenty of flour as needed.
- Pinch off a piece of dough about the size of a teacup.
- Place the dough on a floured cloth and roll it out with a rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the rolled dough with a scalloped pie pan or quiche pan.
- Place the cut dough into a greased 9-inch cake pan.
- Flour your hands to prevent sticking and gently press the dough to the edges of the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar in the recipe. If you're short on Crisco, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. To ensure the cake rises well, make sure your self-rising flour is fresh. Remember, the dough should be quite stiff, so don't hesitate to add extra flour as needed during mixing.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with Fresh Fruit Topping for a delightful contrast of flavors. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. It makes a wonderful dessert after a hearty meal, and can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Old-Fashioned Dried Apple Fruit Cake contains roughly 421 calories, with 9g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 7g 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 flour?
While self-rising flour is recommended for this recipe, you can use all-purpose flour combined with baking powder and salt as a substitute. Use 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt to replicate the self-rising flour effect.
How can I make this cake more moist?
To enhance moisture, consider adding a half cup of applesauce or substituting some of the buttermilk with yogurt. These ingredients not only add moisture but also contribute to a richer flavor profile, making your fruit cake even more enjoyable.
What are some good toppings for this cake?
Aside from Fresh Fruit Topping, you can try spreading a thin layer of cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top also make delightful additions that complement the cake's flavors.
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).