Wesson'S Famous Fruit Cake
A rich, fruit-filled cake featuring spices, candied fruits, and nuts, perfect for festive occasions or as a hearty dessert for those who love bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 c. Wesson oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 4 c. all-purpose flour, sifted ⓘ
- 1 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 tsp. allspice
- 1 tsp. cloves ⓘ
- 1 c. pineapple, apple or orange juice ⓘ
- 1 c. all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 c. sliced citron ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped candied pineapple ⓘ
- 1 c. candied cherries
- 1 c. seeded raisins ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped figs ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 275° very slowly.
- Combine Wesson oil, brown sugar, and eggs. Beat vigorously with a spoon or electric mixer for 2 minutes.
- Sift 2 cups of the flour with the baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Stir the sifted flour mixture into the oil mixture alternately with the fruit juice.
- Mix the other cup of flour with the sliced citron, chopped candied pineapple, whole candied cherries, seeded raisins, and chopped figs.
- Pour the batter over the fruit mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Turn the batter into two greased and brown paper-lined 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pans or one Bundt cake pan.
- Place a pan of water on the lower rack of the oven.
- Bake the cake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan after baking.
- Wrap and refrigerate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of fruit juices such as pineapple and orange juice. If you can't find sliced citron, chopped candied ginger can be a great substitute. Ensure to sift the flour thoroughly to avoid clumps for a smoother batter. Remember, this fruit cake benefits from aging, so making it a few weeks in advance enhances the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This fruit cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, reminiscent of special occasions. You could serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert. Consider pairing it with a slice of Coconut Buttermilk Cake for a diverse dessert spread that will impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then refrigerate for up to three months. To serve, let it come to room temperature before slicing, or warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds for a cozy treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wesson'S Famous Fruit Cake contains roughly 779 calories, with 8g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (35% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1062mg per serving (46% 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 in this recipe?
While fresh fruits can be used, they contain more moisture and may alter the cake's texture. If you prefer fresh fruits, reduce the juice slightly and add some sugar to mimic the sweetness of candied fruits. Make sure to chop them finely to distribute evenly in the batter.
What can I do if my fruit cake is too dry?
If your fruit cake turns out dry, try soaking it in a simple syrup made of equal parts water and sugar, or brush it with fruit juice. This adds moisture back into the cake. You can also serve it with a drizzle of warm vanilla sauce or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance its texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this fruit cake, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still yield a delightful cake with the same rich flavors.
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).