Noreen'S Fruitcake
Noreen's Fruitcake is a rich, moist dessert packed with candied fruit, walnuts, and a hint of rum, perfect for festive occasions and fruitcake lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use a 9-inch tube pan and line with wax paper; butter the lining.
- Sift flour and baking soda together; set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together mincemeat, eggs, Eagle Brand milk, candied fruit, walnuts, and rum.
- Fold in the sifted flour mixture into the wet ingredients.
- Put the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 300°F for 2 hours.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Turn out of the pan and remove the paper.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra moist fruitcake, consider soaking the candied fruit in rum overnight before mixing. If you don't have mincemeat, you can substitute with a mixture of chopped dried fruits and spices. To enhance flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. For an easier cleanup, line the pan with parchment paper instead of wax paper.
Serving Suggestions
Noreen's Fruitcake is perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of Tin Can Ice Cream for a delightful contrast. Pair with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. You can also garnish with additional candied fruit or nuts for an attractive presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the fruitcake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for several weeks. If you'd like to enjoy it warm, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Noreen'S Fruitcake contains roughly 1907 calories, with 38g protein, 203g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), protein (76% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1457mg per serving (63% 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 fruitcake ahead of time?
Yes, this fruitcake actually benefits from being made a few days in advance. It allows the flavors to meld and develop further. Wrap it well and store it in a cool, dry place until you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of rum?
If you prefer not to use rum, you can substitute it with apple juice or orange juice for a non-alcoholic version. Alternatively, use a flavored extract, such as vanilla or almond, to maintain depth of flavor.
How do I know when the fruitcake is done baking?
The fruitcake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Keep an eye on it, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
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).