Old Fashioned Molasses Fruit Cake
A rich, spiced fruit cake with deep molasses flavor, perfect for festive occasions or tea times, appealing to those who enjoy moist, flavorful baked treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat sugar, shortening, molasses, and eggs together.
- Sift 3 cups of flour with dry ingredients including soda, cloves, salt, and ginger.
- Mix the flour mixture with sour milk.
- Stir in more flour until the batter is stiff.
- Put the batter into a 9-inch cake pan.
- Bake at 425°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you don't have sour milk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and rise. Be careful not to overmix once you add the flour, as this can make the cake dense.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Fashioned Molasses Fruit Cake is delightful when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Very Special Apple Cake during the holidays. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for added sweetness and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, placing it in the freezer where it can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for a few seconds or gently in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Molasses Fruit Cake contains roughly 411 calories, with 8g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (114% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2097mg per serving (91% 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 another type of sweetener instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for the granulated sugar to enhance the molasses flavor. Alternatively, maple syrup or honey can be used, but keep in mind that this may alter the texture and moisture content of the cake. Adjust the flour accordingly to maintain the right batter consistency.
What can I add to make this cake more fruity?
You can add chopped dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Consider soaking the fruits in warm water or rum for 30 minutes before adding them to plump them up, which will enhance the overall taste of your cake.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep in mind that baking times can vary depending on your oven, so start checking around the 12-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
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).