Best 8 Candied Holiday Fruitcake Recipes

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'Tis the season to indulge in the delightful flavors of the holidays, and what better way to celebrate than with a slice of delectable candied holiday fruitcake? This classic dessert is a true labor of love, with its rich, moist texture and symphony of sweet and tangy flavors. As we gather with loved ones to celebrate the season of joy, let's embark on a culinary journey to discover the best recipe for a candied holiday fruitcake that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart. From selecting the finest ingredients and carefully measuring each component to infusing it with aromatic spices and succulent dried fruits, we'll guide you through the process of creating this cherished holiday tradition. So, gather your apron, set the oven to preheat, and prepare to indulge in the irresistible charm of a homemade candied holiday fruitcake.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

CANDIED FRUITCAKE



Candied Fruitcake image

I discovered that candied fruit likes getting soused with currants or dates, and that it isn't fussy about the medium: sherry, rum or Cognac all make it happy. And the trick to baking with it is simple: use the good stuff and use it judiciously. Fold just enough diced peel and choice cherries into a batter with chopped dates and spice and watch the tone and texture lighten up. No one would dream of calling this fruitcake.

Provided by Kay Rentschler

Categories     cakes, dessert

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 1/2 cups chopped pitted dates
1/4 cup chopped candied citron (more for decorating)
1/4 cup chopped candied orange peel (more for decorating)
1/4 cup chopped candied lemon peel (more for decorating)
1/4 cup candied cherries (more for decorating)
1/2 cup hot brewed coffee, preferably espresso
1/4 cup Cognac
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature (more for greasing pan)
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground mace
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Steps:

  • Combine dates and candied fruit in a small bowl; pour coffee and brandy over them, and stir to combine. Cover and macerate 6 hours or overnight.
  • Place oven rack in lowest position and large roasting pan on rack. Fill pan halfway with hot water. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10-inch tube pan. Stir flour, mace, cinnamon, cloves, salt, baking powder and soda together in medium bowl; set aside.
  • In mixer with paddle attachment, beat butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, 40 seconds. Scrape down bowl, add brown sugar, and beat until light and fluffy, 2 minutes. Mix in vanilla. Add eggs, beating well after each addition.
  • With machine on low speed, add dry ingredients, and mix just to combine. Mix in dates, fruit and macerating liquid. Turn batter into cake pan, smoothing top. Bake in water bath until cake has risen and top is brown, about an hour. Remove cake from oven, cool in pan on wire rack 5 minutes, turn out of pan right-side up onto rack and cool completely.
  • Heat sugar with 1 tablespoon water to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar. Simmer until syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat. Arrange slices of candied fruit on top of cake, and brush with syrup.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 305, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 47 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 214 milligrams, Sugar 23 grams, TransFat 0 grams

HOLIDAY FRUITCAKE



Holiday Fruitcake image

This is my own fruitcake recipe and it's a family favorite. The mixture of fruits and nuts helps make it a tasty treat. -Allene Spence, Delbarton, West Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 2h20m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1-1/2 cups whole red candied cherries
1-1/2 cups whole green candied cherries
3 cups diced candied pineapple
1 pound walnut halves
10 ounces golden raisins
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
5 large eggs
4 tablespoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300°. Combine fruit and nuts. In another bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Pour over fruit and nuts; stir to coat. , Transfer to a greased and floured 10-in. tube pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 2 hours. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Wrap tightly and store in a cool place. Bring to room temperature before serving; slice with a serrated knife.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 686 calories, Fat 32g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 342mg sodium, Carbohydrate 92g carbohydrate (61g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

HOLIDAY WHITE FRUITCAKE



Holiday White Fruitcake image

Years ago, when I attended Koloa Missionary Church in Hawaii, a friend gave me this recipe. Now I whip up at least 60 loaves for the holidays. -Eileen Sokolowski Flatt, Chandler, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 loaves (16 piece each).

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 package (8 ounces) chopped mixed candied fruit
1-1/4 cups golden raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
6 large eggs, room temperature

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 275°. Line bottoms of four greased 9x5-in. loaf pans with parchment; grease parchment., In a small bowl, toss candied fruit, raisins and walnuts with 1/2 cup flour. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in remaining flour. Fold in fruit mixture., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 133 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 61mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

CANDIED HOLIDAY FRUITCAKE



Candied Holiday Fruitcake image

Make and share this Candied Holiday Fruitcake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by FrVanilla

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h15m

Yield 24 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups pecans, chopped
2 1/3 cups mixed candied fruit, chopped
3/4 cup candied cherry, chopped
1 3/4 cups plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
5 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt
powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Position rack in lowest third of oven and preheat to 250°F Grease and flour 12-cup bundt pan or tube cake pan.
  • In large bowl, mix pecans and fruits with 3 tablespoon flour. In another large bowl, cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Stir in vanilla and lemon extract. Sift 1 3/4 cups flour with baking powder and salt. Add dry ingredients to batter; stir until blended. Mix fruit mixture into batter.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until golden brown and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 2 1/2 hours. Cool in pan on rack 15 minutes. Turn out onto rack and cool.
  • Position rack in lowest third of oven and preheat to 250°F Grease and flour 12-cup bundt pan or tube cake pan. In large bowl, mix pecans and fruits with 3 tablespoon flour. In another large bowl, cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Stir in vanilla and lemon extract. Sift 1 3/4 cups flour with baking powder and salt. Add dry ingredients to batter; stir until blended. Mix fruit mixture into batter.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until golden brown and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 2 1/2 hours. Cool in pan on rack 15 minutes. Turn out onto rack and cool. Dust with powdered sugar.
  • (Can be prepared 2 weeks ahead; wrap in foil and store at room temperature.).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 245.6, Fat 18.6, SaturatedFat 6, Cholesterol 64.4, Sodium 29.9, Carbohydrate 17.4, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 9.1, Protein 3.6

CANDIED FRUIT CAKE



Candied Fruit Cake image

Here is a delicious cake that can be made for the Holiday season, or I guess anytime of the year - tastes very good!!

Provided by Chef mariajane

Categories     Quick Breads

Time 35m

Yield 4 mini-loaves

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 cups pecan halves
1 (8 ounce) package pitted dates, cut in half
1 (4 ounce) package candied cherries (red and green)
1 (4 ounce) package candied pineapple
4 tablespoons Bourbon
1/3 cup apricot jam (jelly, not jam)

Steps:

  • Grease and flour 4 mini loaf pans or round casserole. In medium bowl, beat egg with sugar until fluffy. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt and blend. Add dates, cherries, and pineapple. Wet your hands and pack into pans. Bake at 300F for 35-40 minutes. Top should be dry, but not brown. Melt jelly, add bourbon and while cakes are still warm, spread mixture over cakes, Wrap tightly. Keep in refrigerator or freezer. Best if you can make this a week or two before serving. Family favorite for many years.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 913.4, Fat 37.3, SaturatedFat 3.5, Cholesterol 52.9, Sodium 203.4, Carbohydrate 138.1, Fiber 10.7, Sugar 106, Protein 9.5

FESTIVE FRUITCAKE I



Festive Fruitcake I image

This is a large recipe that is rich and dark. Make a few weeks ahead of time. Apple juice can be substituted for orange juice. Originally submitted to CakeRecipe.com.

Provided by Carol

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Holiday Cake Recipes

Yield 48

Number Of Ingredients 22

12 cups raisins
3 cups dried currants
2 pounds candied mixed fruit
1 pound candied cherries
1 (16 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained
1 ¼ cups dates, pitted and chopped
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
12 egg yolks
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons cocoa
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 cup orange juice
4 cups whole or chopped walnuts
12 egg whites

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Grease four 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pans, and then line with brown paper or foil. Grease again.
  • In a large container stir raisins, currants, candied fruit mix, candied cherries, maraschino cherries, dates, and 1 cup flour together until all the fruit is well coated with flour.
  • Measure 2 1/4 cup flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a medium bowl. Stir to mix.
  • In a very large bowl, cream the butter or margarine with the sugar. Beat in egg yolks three at a time. Stir in pineapple with juice and vanilla. Add flour mixture in 3 parts alternately with fruit juice in 2 parts to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in walnuts.
  • In another bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Fold egg whites into batter, and stir in fruit gently. Divide batter among pans. Smooth.
  • Bake for about 3 hours until an inserted wooden pick comes out clean.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 466.6 calories, Carbohydrate 82.4 g, Cholesterol 71.5 mg, Fat 15.6 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 5.8 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 174 mg, Sugar 45.6 g

HOLIDAY BOURBON FRUITCAKE



Holiday Bourbon Fruitcake image

Moist and tasty fruitcake is made with all types of candied fruit and nuts with a hint of orange and more than a hint of bourbon. It takes about three days to complete the process, but it is well worth the time and effort!

Provided by Cookin' Canuck

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Holiday Cake Recipes

Time P2DT4h5m

Yield 30

Number Of Ingredients 30

1 cup chopped candied orange peel
1 cup chopped candied citron
1 cup chopped candied pineapple
1 cup halved red candied cherries
1 cup halved green candied cherries
1 cup dried currants
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped pitted dates
1 cup chopped walnuts
¾ cup chopped almonds
½ cup orange juice
⅔ cup bourbon whiskey
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups butter, room temperature
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
6 egg yolks
¾ cup applesauce
½ cup bourbon whiskey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup molasses
6 egg whites

Steps:

  • On the first day, combine the candied orange peel, candied citron, candied pineapple, red and green candied cherries, currants, raisins, walnuts, and almonds. Combine the orange juice and the 2/3 cup bourbon; pour over the fruit and nuts. Stir and then cover tightly. Let the fruit marinate in a cool place for 1 full day, or at least 20 hours.
  • On the second day, line two 9x5 inch loaf pans with parchment paper or aluminum foil and grease the inside with cooking spray. Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, ginger, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and stir with a whisk to blend.
  • In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Stir in the egg yolks until blended and then mix in the applesauce, the 1/2 cup bourbon, and vanilla until fluffy. Continue stirring, and add the the flour mixture gradually until well combined. Add the molasses and stir to combine. When the batter is thoroughly mixed, gently mix in the fruit and nut mixture with all of its juices.
  • In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with an electric mixer until they can hold a stiff peak. Fold egg whites into the batter. Divide evenly between the prepared pans. Cover loosely with a towel and let the batter stand overnight in a cool, dry place.
  • On the third day, preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Place a large baking pan on the bottom shelf and pour boiling water into it until almost full. Place a baking sheet on the center shelf and place the fruit cakes on the baking sheet.
  • Bake for 2 1/2 hours in the preheated oven. Check the water level and refill if needed. Cover the cakes with a sheet of parchment paper, taking care not to let it touch the shelf. Continue to bake until a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour more. Cool fruitcakes in the pans, set over a wire rack. Once cool, remove the cakes from the pans, and leave the parchment paper on. Sprinkle with more bourbon if desired and wrap in aluminum foil. Place in a tin or other sealed container overnight before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 422.3 calories, Carbohydrate 64.9 g, Cholesterol 65.4 mg, Fat 14.9 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 6.6 g, Sodium 172.1 mg, Sugar 33.3 g

CANDIED HOLIDAY FRUITCAKE



Candied Holiday Fruitcake image

Provided by Catherine Hilburn

Categories     Cake     Egg     Dessert     Bake     Cherry     Pineapple     Pecan     Edible Gift     Bon Appétit     Florida     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Serves 12

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 cups chopped pecans (about 12 ounces)
2 cups chopped candied pineapple (about 10 ounces)
3/4 cup chopped candied cherries (about 5 ounces)
1/3 cup chopped candied orange peel (about 1 1/2 ounces)
1 3/4 cups plus 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
5 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Position rack in lowest third of oven and preheat to 250°F. Grease and flour 12-cup bundt pan or tube cake pan. In large bowl, mix pecans and fruits with 3 tablespoon flour. In another large bowl, cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Stir in vanilla and lemon extract. Sift 1 3/4 cups flour with baking powder and salt. Add dry ingredients to batter; stir until blended. Mix fruit mixture into batter.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until golden brown and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 2 1/2 hours. Cool in pan on rack 15 minutes. Turn out onto rack and cool. (Can be prepared 2 weeks ahead; wrap in foil and store at room temperature.) Dust with powdered sugar.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of fruits. This will give your fruitcake a more complex flavor and texture. Some good choices include cherries, raisins, cranberries, apricots, and pineapple.
  • Chop the fruits into small pieces. This will help them distribute evenly throughout the cake.
  • Soak the fruits in alcohol. This will help to plump them up and add flavor. Rum, brandy, and bourbon are all good choices.
  • Use a dark, rich cake batter. This will help to balance out the sweetness of the fruits.
  • Bake the cake at a low temperature. This will help to prevent it from drying out.
  • Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and let it age for at least a week. This will help to develop the flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

Candied holiday fruitcake is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for any holiday gathering. With a little planning and effort, you can make a fruitcake that will be enjoyed by family and friends for years to come.

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