Sunset'S Christmas Fruitcake
A rich, festive Christmas fruitcake filled with mixed candied fruits, nuts, and spices, perfect for holiday sharing and suited for those who enjoy traditional, flavorful desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. mixed candied fruit ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped nuts
- 1/2 c. raisins
- 1/2 c. chopped dates ⓘ
- 1/2 c. dried apricots ⓘ
- 1/4 c. honey ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. mace ⓘ
- 3/4 c. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 c. red candy cherries ⓘ
- 1/2 c. dried figs ⓘ
- 1/2 c. orange juice ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. orange liqueur
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine mixed candied fruit, chopped nuts, raisins, chopped dates, dried apricots, orange juice, honey, 2 tablespoons orange liqueur, cinnamon, and mace; set aside.
- With an electric mixer, beat together butter and brown sugar until well blended.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time.
- Stir together flour and baking soda.
- Stir flour mixture into creamed mixture by hand.
- Add fruit mixture and stir until well distributed.
- Evenly spoon batter into 2 well-greased 4 1/2 x 8 1/2-inch loaf pans.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1 hour and 35 minutes.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes.
- Remove from pans and cool completely.
- Wrap cakes in double thickness of cheesecloth saturated with 2 tablespoons orange liqueur.
- Overwrap in foil.
- Store in refrigerator for 2 weeks before sampling.
Tips & Substitutions
For an enhanced flavor, consider soaking your dried fruits in the orange liqueur overnight before adding them to the batter. If you want a healthier alternative, you can use unsweetened applesauce instead of butter. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the fruitcake and serve it at room temperature for the best flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. For an elegant touch, serve alongside a cup of tea or coffee. This festive cake makes an excellent centerpiece dessert for holiday gatherings or as a gift.
Storage & Reheating
Once the fruitcake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. If you want to refresh the cake, lightly brush it with a bit of orange liqueur before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sunset'S Christmas Fruitcake contains roughly 1741 calories, with 17g protein, 254g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (113% of the Daily Value), iron (98% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 32g 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 use a different type of liquor if I don't have orange liqueur?
Yes, you can substitute orange liqueur with other fruit-flavored liqueurs like peach or apricot, or even use non-alcoholic options such as orange juice or apple juice for a similar flavor profile.
How long can I store this fruitcake?
This fruitcake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, but if you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just ensure it's well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
What can I do if my fruitcake is too dry?
If your fruitcake turns out dry, try serving it with a drizzle of warm honey or a spiced syrup. You can also warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds, which will help soften the texture.
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).