While fruitcake is often perceived as a dense, heavy dessert, it's possible to create a lighter version that is just as flavorful and satisfying. With a focus on fresh fruits, a reduced amount of sugar, and a tender crumb, these recipes offer a refreshing take on the classic holiday treat. From tangy citrus variations to moist berry-filled cakes, these recipes provide a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making them perfect for any occasion.
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CASSANDRA'S "LIGHT" FRUITCAKE RECIPE
This bourbon-doused fruitcake is sure to turn the taste buds of even the most skeptical holiday guest. This family recipe was a childhood tradition that lived on through Cassandra King after her mother passed-but just slightly askew-until her daddy let her in on the secret touch she was missing: "Every time your mama wasn't looking, I'd sneak into the closet and pour more whiskey over those cakes." If that's not a true Southern tale, we don't know what is.
Provided by Cassandra King
Categories Cakes
Time 4h40m
Yield Serves 16-20
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Combine the mixed dried fruit (including pineapple and currants) and crystallized ginger in a large bowl. Stir together with 1 cup brandy or bourbon; cover and set the mixture aside for 2 hours to infuse the dried fruit.
- Preheat the oven to 325˚F. Grease a tube pan with cooking spray. Meanwhile, cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl, and beat in eggs 1 at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a large wooden spoon or spatula, stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until thoroughly combined (do not beat with a mixer).
- Stir in the soaked fruit mixture and chopped pecans. The mixture will be thick.
- Scrape the mixture into the prepared tube pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the fruitcake comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes before removing from pan. Cool completely on a wire rack, about 45 minutes.
- Soak a layer of cheesecloth in enough brandy or bourbon to thoroughly moisten (about 1/2 cup). Wrap the fruitcake in the cheesecloth, and then wrap it in aluminum foil. Set aside to rest for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to soak in.
QUICK AND EASY FRUIT CAKE
This may be made with any fruit: pitted cherries, apples+pecans+cinnamon, peaches + cardamom, plums+ almonds. From Imagelicious http://www.imagelicious.com/blog/post/quick-and-easy-cake
Provided by ellie3763
Categories Breads
Time 1h5m
Yield 1 8x8 cake, 16 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat the over to 350F (180C). Butter an 8x8 baking dish.
- In a big bowl whisk together the eggs and the sugar just until it all comes together, about 30 seconds, no more.
- Add the flour (and baking powder if using) and wisk together just until the flour disappears and there are no more lumps, about 45 seconds, no more. The batter will be quite thick and there won't be a lot of it.
- Spread the fruit over the bottom of the dish and spread the batter over. It will barely cover the fruit and it'll look like it's not enough, but it will be great. Alternatively you can mix the fruit with the batter.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes depending on your oven. A toothpick inserted into the cake should come out clean when the cake is ready.
GRANDMA BETTIE'S LIGHT FRUIT CAKE
An easy light fruit cake that my mother made most years. Try substituting fruits that you like! To me it's the taste and smell of Christmas.
Provided by Leanne Mentz
Categories Desserts Fruit Dessert Recipes Cherry Dessert Recipes
Time P14DT1h45m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line two loaf pans with parchment paper.
- Coat cherries, raisins, almonds, and pineapple with 1 cup flour.
- Beat sugar, butter, and eggs together until creamy. Sift remaining flour with baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture; stir in vanilla and almond extracts. Fold in the fruit and almond mixture. Spoon batter into the prepared pans and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Wrap cakes tightly and let age in a cool place for 2 to 4 weeks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 429.2 calories, Carbohydrate 59.4 g, Cholesterol 92.4 mg, Fat 19.4 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 6.3 g, SaturatedFat 9.5 g, Sodium 187.2 mg, Sugar 33.2 g
QUICK FRUITCAKE
"This moist loaf is the perfect choice for people who don't like the candied fruits that go into traditional fruitcake," assures Diane Hixon from her home in Niceville, Florida. "Each slice is chock-full of goodies, so they'll think that you fussed when you haven't."
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h5m
Yield 1 loaf.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Prepare quick bread batter according to package directions. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour into a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. , Bake at 350° for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.
Nutrition Facts :
EASY-DOES-IT FRUITCAKE
These miniature loaves are chock-full of tempting fruit and nuts. The glaze makes them extra moist and tasty. They are wonderful to give as gifts and fun to serve to holiday guests. -Romaine Wetzel, Ronks, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h30m
Yield 5 loaves (8 slices each).
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In large bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour, candied fruit, dates, raisins and nuts; toss until well coated; set aside., In another large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and remaining flour; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with orange juice, beating well after each addition. Stir in fruit and nut mixture; mix well., Spoon into five greased 5-3/4x3x2-in. baking pans (pans will be full). Bake at 325° for 1 hour. Cover with foil; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. , In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients until smooth. With a pastry brush, brush glaze over warm loaves. Cool completely.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 239 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 158mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
BEST EVER FRUIT CAKE
This is an absolute delicious fruit cake!
Provided by watty018
Time 2h20m
Yield Serves 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Put the sugar, sultanas, currants, raisins, water, cherries, butter or margarine, salt into a saucepan, bringing it to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes
- Pour into a mixing bowl and allow to cool. Pre heat the oven to 170 degrees / Gas Mark 3
- Grease and line with grease proof paper a 20 cm round cake tin
- Add the egg to the cooled fruit mixture and stir in well. Add the flour and mix well
- Turn into the prepared cake tin, smooth the top and arrange optional almonds on the top.
- Bake for 1.25 - 1.50 hours until risen and golden brown. Cool slightly before turning out. The cake improves with keeping.
Tips for a Perfect Light Fruitcake:
- Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor. - Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense, heavy cake. - Bake the cake at a low temperature for a longer period of time to ensure it cooks evenly throughout. - Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the glaze. - Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.Conclusion:
This easy light fruitcake recipe is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist, tender texture and sweet, fruity flavor, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a special dessert, give this light fruitcake recipe a try!
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