Mrs. Doll Kirkley'S Fruit Cake
A rich, traditional fruit cake packed with candied fruits, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for special occasions and holiday celebrations, offering a moist and flavorful treat.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups cake flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 pound butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 cups brown or white sugar ⓘ
- 10 eggs ⓘ
- 1 pound candied cherries ⓘ
- 1 pound candied pineapple ⓘ
- 1 pound dates ⓘ
- 1 pound raisins
- 1/2 pound citron
- 4 cups pecans ⓘ
- 1 cup jelly or honey
- 1 cup syrup or figs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cider or blackberry wine ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice four times.
- Set aside the sifted mixture, then thoroughly cream the butter.
- Add the sugar to the creamed butter and beat until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs until well combined.
- Roll the candied cherries, pineapple, dates, raisins, citron, and pecans in flour and spices.
- Add the floured fruits, nuts, and the sifted dry ingredients into the batter, mixing well.
- Stir in the jelly or honey, syrup or figs, and cider or wine until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the batter into four greased 8 x 8 x 2-inch pans lined with heavy paper, greased also on the paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 3 to 3 1/2 hours until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool before removing from pans.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use room temperature butter to achieve a creamy texture when creaming with sugar. When rolling the fruits and nuts in flour, this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking. If you want a slightly less sweet cake, consider reducing the sugar by half a cup. You can also substitute dried cranberries for some of the raisins for a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This rich fruit cake is perfect for special occasions and pairs beautifully with Steve'S Homemade Ice Cream for dessert. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee, or alongside a slice of Just Plain Biscuits for a delightful afternoon treat. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store the fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to six months. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Doll Kirkley'S Fruit Cake contains roughly 1149 calories, with 15g protein, 185g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 21g 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 make this fruit cake in advance?
Absolutely! This fruit cake actually improves with age. It can be made several weeks ahead of time. Just make sure to wrap it well and store it in a cool, dry place. Consider feeding it with a bit of brandy or rum every week for added flavor and moisture.
Can I use fresh fruits instead of candied ones?
It's best to stick with candied fruits for this recipe, as they provide the right texture and sweetness. However, if you prefer fresh, you can try using dried fruits like apricots or figs as substitutes. Just remember to adjust the moisture in the batter if using fresh fruits.
What can I do if the cake is too dry?
If you find that the cake is too dry after baking, you can serve it with a side of warm syrup or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk to add moisture. Another option is to serve it with whipped cream or ice cream to balance the texture.
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).