Old Fashioned Dark Fruitcake
A rich, traditional dark fruitcake packed with dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, perfect for festive occasions and enjoyed by those who appreciate hearty baked desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening ⓘ
- 2 cups brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 cups flour
- 6 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon mace ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 cup hot coffee ⓘ
- 1/2 cup molasses ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tart jelly (apple or grape) ⓘ
- 1 pound raisins (dark or white) ⓘ
- 1/2 pound nuts ⓘ
- 1 small container red candied cherries ⓘ
Instructions
- Line loaf pans with wax paper and grease with shortening.
- Cream together shortening and brown sugar.
- Blend in flour, eggs, salt, and baking powder.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cloves, soda, hot coffee, molasses, and jelly.
- Mix in raisins, nuts, cherries, mixed candied fruit, rind, and juice of one orange and one lemon.
- Pour the batter into prepared loaf pans.
- Bake at 300°F (slow oven) for about 2 1/2 hours.
- Remove from oven, take out of pans immediately, and remove wax paper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a different texture. If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of molasses or jelly. Adding a splash of bourbon or rum can enhance the cake's depth. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick before the baking time is up.
Serving Suggestions
This fruitcake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of spiced tea. It's also delightful served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside Light Egg Nog during holiday gatherings. It can also be enjoyed with a selection of cheeses for a savory contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled fruitcake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, gently warm slices in the oven at a low temperature or microwave briefly until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Dark Fruitcake contains roughly 848 calories, with 7g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), potassium (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 785mg per serving (34% 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 different types of dried fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add other dried fruits such as apricots, figs, or cranberries to suit your taste. Just make sure to adjust the total weight accordingly while maintaining the balance of textures and flavors in the cake.
Why do I need to line the loaf pans with wax paper?
Lining the pans with wax paper helps prevent the fruitcake from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking. It also aids in maintaining the cake's shape and prevents it from breaking when you take it out of the pan.
Can I make this fruitcake ahead of time?
Yes, this fruitcake is perfect for making ahead! In fact, it often tastes better after a few days as the flavors meld. Bake it at least a week in advance, cool it completely, and then wrap it tightly for storage. This allows the cake to mature and enhances its deliciousness.
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).