Mrs. Bess' White Fruit Cake
Mrs. Bess' White Fruit Cake is a rich, nut-filled dessert with sweet cherries and raisins, perfect for special occasions or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Grease and flour an angel food cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, butter, pecans, white raisins, maraschino or candied cherries, eggs, and lemon flavoring.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared angel food cake pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before removing from the pan and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with cream cheese. If you prefer a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. You can also experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds. If maraschino cherries are unavailable, candied cherries work well as a substitute. Make sure to mix the batter gently to avoid overworking the flour, which can lead to a denser cake.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful afternoon treat. For a festive presentation, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Consider adding a side of fruit juice shake for a refreshing complement. It also makes a wonderful dessert for holiday gatherings or family celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate it for up to two weeks. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, storing it for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheating is not necessary, but you can warm slices briefly in the microwave if desired.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Bess' White Fruit Cake contains roughly 2907 calories, with 43g protein, 265g carbohydrates, and 203g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), and protein (85% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 37g 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 different types of dried fruits in this cake?
Yes, you can substitute other dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots for the white raisins. Just ensure that the total amount of fruit remains the same to maintain the cake's moisture and texture.
Why did my cake not rise properly?
If your cake did not rise, it could be due to overmixing the batter, which can develop gluten and lead to a denser cake. Additionally, ensure that your baking powder is fresh and that you accurately measured your ingredients.
How can I make this cake more festive for the holidays?
To make this cake more festive, consider adding spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to the batter. You can also decorate the top with additional maraschino cherries or candied fruits, or drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness.
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).