Mrs. C'S Wine Bread(Fruitcake)
Mrs. C'S Wine Bread is a rich, fruit-filled fruitcake infused with aromatic spices and nuts, perfect for holiday celebrations or special occasions. The combination of candied fruits, nuts, and a splash of grape wine creates a moist, flavorful treat that pairs wonderfully with a glass of wine or coffee.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 2 cups brown sugar ⓘ
- 5 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grape juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup candied cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 cup candied orange peel ⓘ
- 1/3 cup citron
- 4 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream shortening and eggs; add grape juice.
- Beat for 3 minutes, then add the rest of the ingredients.
- Divide the batter into 3 greased pans.
- Bake for 1 1/2 hours at 300°F (150°C).
- Remove from pans and pour Mogan David grape wine over the breads.
- Cool and wrap in wax paper, then foil. Store in a tightly sealed can.
- If the bread gets dry, coat with more wine before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening, or a combination of both. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar by 1/2 cup. Ensure that your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. Adding a splash of whiskey or brandy can enhance the depth of flavor. You can also substitute raisins with dried cranberries for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the wine bread and serve it with a dollop of cream cheese or a spread of butter for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside a cheese platter or as a dessert option with Hungarian Mushroom Soup for a unique meal combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled bread in wax paper and then wrap it tightly in foil. Place it in a sealed container to maintain freshness. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If the bread becomes dry, rehydrate it by lightly brushing with additional grape wine before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. C'S Wine Bread(Fruitcake) contains roughly 3831 calories, with 9g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 382g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (18% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 887mg per serving (39% 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 a different type of juice instead of grape juice?
Yes, you can substitute grape juice with apple or orange juice for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that this may alter the sweetness and overall taste of the bread slightly.
What can I use instead of candied cherries?
If you don't have candied cherries, you can use dried cherries or cranberries as a suitable alternative. For a sweeter flavor, consider using chopped dates or figs to maintain the fruity essence of the bread.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this wine bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the bread's structure. Additionally, check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
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).