Orange Slice Fruitcake
A rich, flavorful fruitcake filled with dates, orange slices, coconut, and pecans, perfect for festive occasions or cozy gatherings with a hint of citrus sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream margarine and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Set aside.
- Roll chopped dates and orange slice candies in 1/2 cup of plain flour to coat.
- Set aside.
- Mix baking soda with buttermilk and add to the creamed mixture, stirring until combined.
- Stir in remaining flour and salt until just combined.
- Fold in the coated date mixture, coconut, and chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into four loaf pans lined with wax paper.
- Bake at 275°F (135°C) for 2 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar by half a cup. Chopping the dates and orange slices finely helps them distribute evenly throughout the batter. You can also add spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for added warmth. This fruitcake can be made in advance and is perfect for holiday gatherings or paired with a cup of tea.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Orange Slice Fruitcake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with candied orange peel or chopped nuts. This cake also makes a great addition to a holiday dessert table alongside treats like the End Of World Cherry Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Orange Slice Fruitcake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in a low oven until warmed through, ensuring the texture remains moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Slice Fruitcake contains roughly 2059 calories, with 23g protein, 148g carbohydrates, and 166g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2342mg per serving (102% 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 fresh oranges instead of orange slice candy?
While fresh oranges can add a light citrus flavor, they won't provide the same sweetness and chewy texture that orange slice candy offers. If you want a fresher taste, you can reduce the sugar slightly and add zest from fresh oranges to enhance the flavor without losing the candy's signature sweetness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this fruitcake, substitute the plain flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking soda is also gluten-free. Additionally, check the labels on the orange slice candy and other ingredients to confirm they are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding other dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots. You can also substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans. However, be mindful of the overall balance of flavors and textures, keeping the total amount of add-ins similar to the original recipe for best results.
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).