Tennessee Fruit Cake
Tennessee Fruit Cake is a rich, dense treat packed with candied cherries, pineapple, and toasted pecans. Its moist texture and sweet, fruity flavor make it perfect for special occasions or holiday festivities, appealing to those who enjoy traditional, hearty baked goods with a touch of Southern charm.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix butter, eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla together in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, candied cherries, candied pineapple, and pecans.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into a tube pan.
- Place the pan in a cold oven and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister cake, consider adding 1/4 cup of applesauce to the batter. If you can't find candied fruit, you can substitute with dried fruit like apricots or figs, but soak them in warm water to soften. Ensure your butter is softened for easier mixing. Mixing at low speed can prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Tennessee 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, making it a great choice for afternoon tea. For a festive touch, consider drizzling with a simple glaze or serving alongside a fruit compote.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers 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. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tennessee Fruit Cake contains roughly 1043 calories, with 4g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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 unsalted butter instead of regular butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter instead of regular butter. Just be sure to add a pinch of salt to the batter to maintain the flavor balance. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the cake better.
How can I make this cake more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a tablespoon of bourbon to the batter. Both options will complement the candied fruits beautifully. You might also experiment with adding spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for a warmer flavor profile.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, to make this Tennessee Fruit Cake gluten-free, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with the texture. Additionally, check that all other ingredients, especially baking powder, are gluten-free.
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).