New No-Bake Fruit Cake
A delightful no-bake fruit cake packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for festive occasions or a sweet, easy-to-make treat for all ages.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk ⓘ
- 2 cups small marshmallows ⓘ
- 6 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, undiluted
- 3/4 cup chopped dates ⓘ
- 1 cup seedless raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup broken walnuts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup candied cherries ⓘ
- 4 cups fine graham cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
Instructions
- Stir the evaporated milk and marshmallows in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat until the marshmallows melt.
- Remove from heat and stir in the frozen orange juice concentrate until well blended.
- Add the chopped dates, seedless raisins, broken walnuts, candied cherries, and mixed candied fruit; stir until thoroughly combined.
- Mix in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Press the mixture firmly into a 5 to 6-cup ring mold or loaf pan lined with waxed paper.
- Cover tightly and chill for 2 days before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk. You can also substitute different dried fruits or nuts based on what you have on hand, such as dried apricots or pecans. If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of marshmallows by half. This cake is a great way to use up leftover canned fruit or dried fruits from other recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the fruit cake and serve it as a delightful dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a festive touch, garnish with additional candied cherries or nuts on top. This cake is also wonderful for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to meld, enhancing the overall taste. To serve, simply slice the cake directly from the mold. Refrain from freezing, as the texture may change once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New No-Bake Fruit Cake contains roughly 1750 calories, with 19g protein, 364g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (265% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (187% of the Daily Value), and iron (102% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 614mg per serving (27% 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 make this fruit cake ahead of time?
Yes, this no-bake fruit cake is ideal for making ahead. It needs to chill for at least two days, which allows the flavors to develop. You can prepare it up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
If you don't have graham cracker crumbs, you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but it will still provide a nice base for the cake.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this fruit cake vegan by using plant-based milk and vegan marshmallows. Ensure that the orange juice concentrate is made from 100% fruit juice, and substitute the nuts with seeds if necessary for allergies.
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).