Sugarless Fruitcake
A rich, dense fruitcake without added sugar, packed with chopped dried fruits, nuts, and flavorful jams. Its moist texture and sweet-tart flavor make it perfect for festive occasions or as a wholesome treat for those avoiding refined sugars. Great for bread lovers and fruitcake enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks margarine ⓘ
- 12 packs Sweet 'n' Low ⓘ
- 5 eggs
- 2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 (8 ounce) package dates, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups nuts, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped prunes ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped dried apricots ⓘ
- 2 packages dried mixed fruit bits
- 2 small jars dietetic jam or preserves ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream margarine with Sweet 'n' Low until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix dry ingredients, reserving 1/2 cup of flour.
- Toss chopped nuts, chopped dried fruits, raisins, prunes, and apricots with the remaining 1/2 cup flour.
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing container.
- Pour mixture into a greased 10-inch tube pan or two loaf pans.
- Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2 hours and 15 minutes for tube pans or 2 hours for loaf pans.
- Let the fruitcake set until cool before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the fruitcake's flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a hint of nutmeg. If you prefer a different sweetener, you can substitute with Stevia or Erythritol, adjusting the quantity as needed. Ensure that you chop your nuts and dried fruits uniformly for even distribution throughout the cake. For a unique twist, try incorporating some zested citrus fruits.
Serving Suggestions
This fruitcake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side of Caramel Dip With Fruit for added indulgence. You can also serve it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. Consider topping it with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation or a smear of dietetic jam for extra sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sugarless fruitcake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a month. To enjoy leftovers, simply slice and serve at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugarless Fruitcake contains roughly 630 calories, with 8g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (16% of the Daily Value), and protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 988mg per serving (43% 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 fruit instead of dried fruit?
Using fresh fruit is not recommended because it can alter the moisture content of the cake, potentially leading to a soggy texture. Stick with dried fruits for the best results, as they provide the sweetness and chewiness that complement the cake's structure.
Is there a gluten-free option for this fruitcake?
Yes, you can make this fruitcake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the cake's texture. Adjust baking times as needed, checking for doneness.
How can I make this fruitcake more festive?
To add a festive touch, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or allspice into the batter. You can also garnish the cooled fruitcake with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of edible glitter. Serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of low-calorie ice cream can elevate its presentation.
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).