(No Bake) Tyrolean Fruit Cake
A rich, no-bake Tyrolean fruit cake featuring ground Brazil nuts, dried fruits, spices, and a creamy gelatin mixture, perfect for festive occasions and fruit lovers.
Ingredients
- 4 c. ground Brazil nuts
- 1 1/2 boxes seedless raisins ⓘ
- 2 c. cut up glaced fruit mix ⓘ
- 2 c. maraschino cherries, cut up
- 1 1/2 lb. graham crackers, crushed ⓘ
- 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin ⓘ
- 1/2 c. orange juice ⓘ
- 3/4 c. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. molasses ⓘ
- 2 scant Tbsp. grated orange rind ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. allspice ⓘ
Instructions
- Oil the mold with salad oil or vegetable shortening.
- Combine orange juice and gelatin in a pan and heat over low heat until gelatin is dissolved.
- Add sugar, molasses, spices, and orange rind; beat at high speed for 15 minutes until very creamy.
- Combine ground Brazil nuts, raisins, glaced fruit, cherries, and crushed graham crackers in a large bowl.
- Mix the creamy gelatin mixture with the dry ingredients, using your hands if necessary, until well combined.
- Firmly press the mixture into the prepared mold.
- Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.
- To serve, dip the mold into hot water and invert onto a serving platter.
- Garnish the top with glaced pineapple and cherries.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting honey for molasses or using different dried fruits like apricots or figs. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the Brazil nuts into a finer meal. Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in the mixture. If you're a fan of no-bake desserts, check out Orange Slice - No Bake Fruit Cake for another delightful option.
Serving Suggestions
This Tyrolean Fruit Cake is best served chilled. For an elegant presentation, garnish with additional glazed fruits and mint leaves. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a complete meal, serve with a refreshing side like German Macaroni Salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain texture, avoid freezing this cake, as it can change the consistency of the ingredients. If needed, slice individual portions and let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of (No Bake) Tyrolean Fruit Cake contains roughly 1487 calories, with 17g protein, 215g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (215% of the Daily Value), iron (72% of the Daily Value), and calcium (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1357mg per serving (59% 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 other nuts instead of Brazil nuts?
Yes, you can substitute Brazil nuts with almonds or walnuts for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the nuts are finely ground to maintain the cake's texture. If you're looking for more nut-based desserts, explore other recipes that highlight the unique flavors of various nuts.
How can I make this cake less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, consider cutting down on the sugar or using unsweetened fruit mixes. You can also balance the sweetness by increasing the amount of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which can add depth without additional sugar. Experimenting with unsweetened chocolate could also provide a delicious contrast.
Is there a gluten-free option for the graham crackers?
Absolutely! Look for gluten-free graham cracker alternatives made from almond flour or other gluten-free grains. This way, you can enjoy the cake without gluten while maintaining its signature texture. Be sure to check the packaging to ensure they are truly 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).