Real Fruit Cake
A rich, fruit-laden cake packed with candied ginger, citrus peels, dried fruits, and nuts, offering a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Perfect for festive occasions or special gatherings, it caters to those who appreciate dense, flavorful desserts with a traditional touch.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. candied ginger
- 1/4 lb. candied orange peel
- 1/2 lb. candied cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. dried figs
- 1 pkg. raisins ⓘ
- 1 c. walnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. black almonds ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. candied citron ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. candied lemon peel
- 1/2 lb. candied pineapple ⓘ
- 1 pkg. seeded dates ⓘ
- 1 pkg. currants
- 1 c. Brazil nuts ⓘ
- 1/2 c. molasses
- 1 c. coffee
Instructions
- Chop or cut fine all fruit and nuts.
- Mix well and combine with old-fashioned pound cake dough, using 10 eggs to corresponding proportions.
- Bake as desired to make two nice cakes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist cake, ensure that all dried fruits are well chopped and evenly distributed in the batter. If you prefer a different flavor profile, consider substituting some of the candied fruits with dried apricots or cranberries. You can also use honey instead of molasses for a lighter sweetness. Keep in mind that the fruit can make the cake denser, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of the fruit cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. This cake also makes a great treat for holiday gatherings or as a sweet complement to a cheese platter. Consider serving alongside festive options like Pork Cake for a diverse spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, freezing it for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in a low oven for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Real Fruit Cake contains roughly 1218 calories, with 17g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (124% of the Daily Value), potassium (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this fruit cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour in the pound cake dough. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially baking powder and any pre-mixed flours, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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).