Wesson Fruit Cake
A rich, spiced fruit cake featuring candied fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, perfect for festive occasions or special gatherings craving a moist, flavorful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Wesson oil ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup thinly sliced citron ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped candied pineapple ⓘ
- 1 cup seedless raisins ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons allspice
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1.5 cups brown sugar, firmly packed ⓘ
- 3 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1.5 cups whole candied cherries ⓘ
- 1 cup figs ⓘ
- 3 cups coarsely chopped nuts
- 1 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan.
- Combine the ingredients, including sliced citron, candied pineapple, raisins, chopped candied cherries, figs, and chopped nuts, with the spices and flour.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with Wesson oil, brown sugar, orange juice, and corn syrup until well blended.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, approximately 90 minutes.
- Boil the remaining brown sugar, orange juice, and corn syrup to make a glaze.
- Brush the hot cake with the boiled glaze to give it a shiny, flavorful finish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using a mix of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour. You can also substitute Wesson oil with another neutral oil or melted coconut oil. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract. To make the cake even more festive, include chopped dried apricots or cranberries. This cake is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Wesson Fruit Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Sugar-Free Orange Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for a cozy afternoon gathering or holiday celebration.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a month. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wesson Fruit Cake contains roughly 557 calories, with 7g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 834mg per serving (36% 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 fruits instead of candied fruits?
While fresh fruits can be used, they will change the texture and moisture content of the cake. If you decide to use fresh fruits, make sure to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe to prevent the cake from becoming too wet. Consider using dried fruits as a compromise for a similar texture and sweetness.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the Wesson Fruit Cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately. Additionally, check that all other ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your fruit cake comes out too dry, you can brush it with a simple syrup made from equal parts water and sugar to add moisture. Alternatively, serve it with a sauce or glaze, such as the one made from boiling brown sugar, orange juice, and corn syrup, to enhance the flavor and 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).