Best 20 Fruitcake Recipes

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In the realm of holiday baking, there's a timeless classic that evokes both delight and controversy: fruitcake. With its dense, boozy texture and medley of candied fruits and nuts, fruitcake has become an iconic symbol of the holiday season. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying the intricate history and unique charm of this festive treat. If you're a fruitcake enthusiast eager to explore new recipes or simply curious about its enduring popularity, this article will guide you through the world of fruitcake, offering insights into its origins, variations, and the best recipes to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Here are our top 20 tried and tested recipes!

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.

FRUITCAKE COOKIES



Fruitcake Cookies image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Categories     dessert

Time 40m

Yield 2 dozen cookies

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup whole milk
3 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
1 cup candied cherries, chopped
3 slices candied pineapple, chopped
Half of a 15-ounce box golden raisins, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment.
  • Sift together the flour, baking soda and cinnamon in a bowl. Cream the butter and sugar in a separate bowl, then gradually add the eggs. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, blending well. Mix the pecans, cherries, pineapple and raisins in a large bowl, then pour the batter over them. Fold the fruit and nuts into the batter by hand, mixing well. Drop the batter by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden and done.

FRUITCAKE CHRISTMAS COOKIES



Fruitcake Christmas Cookies image

As holiday gifts, these rich fruit-and nut-filled cookies are pretty and practical. These are great make ahead Christmas cookies -the taste actually gets better over time! -Julia Funkhouser, Carson, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield about 3-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups dates, finely chopped
4 ounces red candied cherries, halved
4 ounces candied pineapple, diced
1/2 cup whole hazelnuts, toasted
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Stir in remaining ingredients., Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Store in an airtight container. (Cookies are best after a few days.)

Nutrition Facts : Calories 265 calories, Fat 15g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 33mg cholesterol, Sodium 168mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL FRUITCAKE



Christmas Special Fruitcake image

I've made this quick and easy Christmas fruit cake many times during the past several years, giving it to family and friends for gifts. I also gave one to my doctor, and he claims it's the best he's ever tasted.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 2h

Yield 24 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups coarsely chopped Brazil nuts or other nuts (walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts)
1 pound pitted dates, coarsely chopped
1 cup halved maraschino cherries
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300°. In a large bowl, combine the nuts, dates and cherries. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; add to nut mixture, stirring until nuts and fruit are well coated. , In a small bowl, beat eggs until foamy; stir in vanilla. Fold into nut mixture and mix well. Pour into a greased parchment-lined 9x5-in. loaf pan. , Bake at 300° for 1-3/4 hours 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 : Calories 230 calories, Fat 12g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 27mg cholesterol, Sodium 71mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (21g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

MY GRANDMA'S FRUITCAKE COOKIES



My Grandma's Fruitcake Cookies image

My grandmother called them Merry Christmas Cookies. This recipe is her own take on fruitcake cookies.

Provided by minky410

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Drop Cookie Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 144

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter, at room temperature
1 cup brown sugar, packed
3 eggs
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons vanilla-flavored cream sherry
7 cups chopped mixed nuts
2 cups chopped raisins
2 cups pitted chopped dates
1 pound candied pineapple, coarsely chopped
1 pound red and green candied cherries, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease several baking sheets. Sift together the flour, cinnamon, and baking soda in a bowl; set aside.
  • Beat together the butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Gradually beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating each addition with about 2 tablespoons of milk until all the milk is incorporated and the dough is soft. Beat in the sherry, and mix in the nuts, raisins, dates, pineapple, and cherries until thoroughly mixed. Drop the dough by rounded teaspoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the cookies are set and the bottoms are very lightly browned, 20 to 30 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 99.6 calories, Carbohydrate 12.4 g, Cholesterol 7.3 mg, Fat 5.3 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 20.9 mg, Sugar 8.1 g

GRANDMA'S MOLASSES FRUITCAKE



Grandma's Molasses Fruitcake image

This dense, dark, moist fruitcake was my grandmother's recipe. The flavor just gets better and better as it sits in the fridge, so be sure to make it ahead! -Debbie Harmon, Lavina, Montana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h40m

Yield 3 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 12

3-1/4 cups dried currants
2-2/3 cups raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
2/3 cup chopped candied citron or candied lemon peel
4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups packed brown sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup molasses
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves
1 cup strong brewed coffee

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300°. Grease and flour three 9x5-in. loaf pans. Line bottoms with waxed paper; grease and flour the paper. Combine currants, raisins, walnuts, candied citron and 1/4 cup flour. Toss to coat; set aside., Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in molasses. In another bowl, whisk baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and remaining flour; add to creamed mixture alternately with coffee. Stir into currant mixture and mix well., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. Wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator for at least 2 days to blend flavors. Slice and bring to room temperature before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 210 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 79mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (28g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

EASY-DOES-IT FRUITCAKE



Easy-Does-It Fruitcake image

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

3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 pound chopped candied fruit
2 packages (8 ounces each) pitted dates, chopped
1 package (15 ounces) raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped pecans or almonds
1 cup butter, softened
1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup orange juice
GLAZE:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons 2% milk

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 BOILED FRUITCAKE



Best Boiled Fruitcake image

This recipe produces a really moist fruit cake it was given to me by my mom, and it's really easy. My mom uses it for Christmas cake by icing it. I use it for birthdays, Christmas, or just for a treat.

Provided by Mark Richards

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Cherry Dessert Recipes

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 ounces candied mixed fruit
5 ounces glace cherries, roughly chopped
2 ounces candied mixed citrus peel
2 ounces chopped walnuts
¾ cup butter
1 teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup milk
12 ounces sifted self-rising flour
2 eggs
1 ½ cups white sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Line one 8 inch deep sided cake tin with parchment paper.
  • Place the fruit cherries, peel, walnuts, sugar, butter or margarine, mixed spice, baking soda and milk in a medium sized saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Let mixture cool to body temperature.
  • Stir in the flour and the eggs. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Wrap outside of pan with brown paper or newspaper.
  • Bake at 325 degrees F (160 degrees C) for 40 minutes then reduce temperature to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) and continue to baking cake for 1-1/2 hours. Remove cake from oven and allow it to cool in tin for 5 minutes then turn it out onto a cooling rack, remove greaseproof paper and leave until cool. Cake can be stored for up to 6 months wrapped in foil and in an air tight tin.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 587.5 calories, Carbohydrate 99.4 g, Cholesterol 75.8 mg, Fat 19.4 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 6.6 g, SaturatedFat 9.8 g, Sodium 621.1 mg, Sugar 38.4 g

FRUITCAKE



Fruitcake image

This is my 90-year-old grandmother's recipe. Very simple.

Provided by Roxy

Categories     Desserts     Specialty Dessert Recipes     Liqueur Dessert Recipes     Brandy

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups packed brown sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking soda
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons ground cloves
2 tablespoons ground allspice
2 tablespoons ground nutmeg
4 eggs
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
½ cup brandy
1 ½ cups raisins
1 ½ cups chopped nuts
1 ½ cups dried mixed fruit
1 ½ cups butter, melted
1 ¾ cups brandy

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C). Grease and flour a tube pan.
  • In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, soda, spices, eggs, lemon rind, vanilla, 1/2 cup brandy, fruit, nuts, and melted butter or margarine. Mix thoroughly. Pour into prepared pan.
  • Bake for 1 hour, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
  • Wrap cooled cake in foil. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons brandy over the cake everyday for 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 639.3 calories, Carbohydrate 71.9 g, Cholesterol 92.3 mg, Fat 27 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 7.5 g, SaturatedFat 12.9 g, Sodium 377.8 mg, Sugar 36 g

FRUITCAKE COOKIES



Fruitcake Cookies image

I make these cookies in place of Fruitcakes. They go much faster. These cookies will keep indefinitely in the refrigerator, or store in a closed tin after baking. They are better after several days. Best if made a week or two before Christmas, and hope some are left for Christmas

Provided by Mary Lou

Categories     Desserts     Cookies

Yield 72

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup butter
2 cups packed light brown sugar
4 eggs
1 pound golden raisins
1 pound raisins
½ pound red candied cherries
½ pound red candied pineapple
½ pound green candied cherries
½ pound green candied pineapple
1 cup bourbon
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 pound walnut halves
1 pound pecan halves

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, dredge candied fruit and raisins in 1 cup flour.
  • In a large bowl, cream together brown sugar and butter. Beat in eggs. Gradually beat in bourbon and milk. Mix in remaining flour and spices. Stir in fruit and nuts. Refrigerate overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Drop dough by teaspoonfuls, about 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets.
  • Bake for approximately 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and cool on wire racks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 236.5 calories, Carbohydrate 31 g, Cholesterol 17.1 mg, Fat 11.6 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 34 mg, Sugar 21.4 g

CHRISTMAS FRUITCAKE



Christmas Fruitcake image

It's a shame that fruitcake as a species gets such a bad rap. With its two key ingredients--rum and butter--it ought to be a hit. This recipe includes dried fruit, instead of the glowing, candied stuff we've all learned to associate with fruitcake, and is less dense and more cake-like than many fruitcake recipes. It has become a favorite of my friends and family around the holidays (even the skeptical ones), and is delicious by itself, or covered with a layer of almond paste.

Provided by Karen Uffelman

Categories     Desserts     Specialty Dessert Recipes     Liqueur Dessert Recipes     Rum

Time P20DT6h57m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 17

⅛ cup chopped dried cherries
⅛ cup chopped dried mango
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup dried currants
2 tablespoons chopped candied citron
¼ cup dark rum
½ cup butter
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
½ cup all-purpose flour
⅛ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsulfured molasses
2 tablespoons milk
¼ cup chopped pecans
¼ cup dark rum, divided

Steps:

  • Soak cherries, mango, cranberries, currants, and citron in 1/4 cup rum for at least 24 hours. Cover tightly, and store at room temperature.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Butter a 6x3-inch round pan or loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; mix into butter and sugar in three batches, alternating with molasses and milk. Stir in soaked fruit and chopped nuts. Scrape batter into prepared pan.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons rum.
  • Cut out one piece parchment paper and one piece cheesecloth, each large enough to wrap around the cake. Moisten cheesecloth with 1 tablespoon rum. Arrange cheesecloth on top of parchment paper, and unmold cake onto it. Sprinkle top and sides of cake with remaining rum. Wrap the cheesecloth closely to the surface of the cake, then wrap with paper. Place in an airtight tin, and age for at least 10 weeks. If storing longer, douse with additional rum for every 10 weeks of storage.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 302.3 calories, Carbohydrate 33.3 g, Cholesterol 54.1 mg, Fat 14.8 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 2.5 g, SaturatedFat 7.8 g, Sodium 202.7 mg, Sugar 20.5 g

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.

QUICK FRUITCAKE



Quick Fruitcake image

This fruitcake recipe is very easy to make through use of prepared mincemeat and mixed candied fruit for a quick Christmas-time classic.

Provided by Linda C.

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Fruitcake Recipes

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 ½ cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 (28 ounce) jar prepared mincemeat pie filling
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups candied mixed fruit

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Butter cake pans, and line with wax paper. Butter the wax paper.
  • Sift the flour with the baking soda.
  • In a large bowl, combine eggs, mincemeat, condensed milk, fruit, and nuts. Fold in dry ingredients. Pour into prepared pans.
  • Bake for 2 hours, or until center springs back and top is golden brown. Cool. Turn cakes out onto wire rack; remove wax paper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 262.4 calories, Carbohydrate 50.4 g, Cholesterol 21.1 mg, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 3.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 209.6 mg, Sugar 21.8 g

SPICED RUM FRUITCAKE



Spiced Rum Fruitcake image

This fruitcake not only can be made weeks ahead, it tastes better that way! You can substitute Brazil nuts, pecans and hazelnuts for the walnuts-or use a combination of nuts. -Jason Boor, Manchester, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h40m

Yield 1 loaf (16 slices).

Number Of Ingredients 10

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped walnuts
1 package (8 ounces) pitted dates, chopped
1 cup maraschino cherries, halved
1/2 cup dried mangoes, chopped
3 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup spiced rum, divided

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300°. Line a 9x5-in. loaf pan with parchment, letting ends extend up sides of pan; grease and set aside., In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the walnuts, dates, cherries and mangoes; toss to coat. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar and 1/2 cup rum until blended; stir into fruit mixture. Transfer to prepared pan., Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours. Cool in pan on a wire rack 20 minutes. Slowly pour remaining rum over cake. Cool completely. Wrap tightly and store in a cool, dry place overnight. Cut with a serrated knife.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 256 calories, Fat 11g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 96mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (25g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

NO-BAKE FRUITCAKE



No-Bake Fruitcake image

"Keep your oven free for other holiday baking with this easy recipe," suggests Joy Maynard of St. Ignatius, Montana.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 15m

Yield 1 loaf

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
1/3 cup orange juice concentrate
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 package (13-1/2 ounces) graham cracker crumbs (4 cups)
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup chopped dates
1/4 cup halved candied cherries
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Steps:

  • Line a 9x5-in. loaf pan with waxed paper; coat the paper with cooking spray; set aside. In a saucepan, combine milk and orange juice concentrate. Add marshmallows; cook and stir until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from the heat. Stir in remaining ingredients; mix well. Pat into prepared pan. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 279 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 160mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (33g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

MOIST AND BOOZY FRUITCAKE WITH RUM AND PORT (A.K.A. DARK BROWN CAKE)



Moist and Boozy Fruitcake with Rum and Port (a.k.a. Dark Brown Cake) image

This moist and boozy cake from food writer Melissa Clark's "In the Kitchen with a Good Appetite" cookbook is lighter and sweeter than traditional fruitcake, with a smoother texture.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Yield Makes two 9-inch loaf cakes and two 8-inch round cakes

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 pound pitted prunes (2 1/4 cups)
1 pound dark raisins (2 3/4 cups)
1 pound dried currants (3 1/2 cups)
1 pound dried cherries (3 1/3 cups)
3 ounces candied citrus peel, orange and lemon (1/2 cup)
3 ounces candied ginger (1/2 cup)
1 (750 mL) bottle dark rum, plus more for brushing cakes
1 (750 mL) bottle ruby port or Manischewitz wine
2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for pans
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
4 ounces blanched almonds (2/3 cup)
1/3 cup boiling water
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 1/2 cups packed dark-brown sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
10 large eggs, at room temperature
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup molasses or cane sugar
Confectioners' sugar or Royal Icing for Fruitcake, for serving

Steps:

  • At least 2 weeks before you plan to bake the cakes, place prunes, raisins, currants, cherries, citrus peel, candied ginger, rum, and port in a large container with a lid. Stir fruit once a day.
  • When ready to bake the cakes, preheat oven to 250 degrees. Butter and flour two 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pans and two 8-by-2-inch round cake pans and line with parchment; butter parchment and set aside.
  • In the bowl of a food processor or the jar of a heavy-duty blender, grind almonds to a coarse meal. Stir ground almonds into the fruit mixture until well combined. Working in batches, transfer almond-fruit mixture to the bowl of a food processor or jar of a blender and pulse until a chunky paste forms. Transfer paste to a large bowl or a rimmed baking sheet.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together boiling water and cocoa powder until smooth; set aside.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together butter and brown sugar. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, add vanilla, and beat in eggs, one at a time. Transfer to a very large bowl or stock pot.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda. Using a spatula, fold flour mixture into butter mixture. Add cocoa powder mixture and molasses and fold to combine; stir in fruit.
  • Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake until cakes are firm on top and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 3 hours. Remove from oven and immediately brush tops of cakes with rum. Let cakes cool completely.
  • Invert cooled cakes to unmold and brush with additional rum. Wrap cakes in cheesecloth, a clean dish towel, or sturdy paper towels, and then in aluminum foil. Let stand at room temperature at least 3 days before serving, and up to 1 month. Serve cakes dusted with confectioners' sugar or frosted with royal icing.

FRUITCAKE WITH RUM



Fruitcake With Rum image

This is a fantastic mixed fruitcake. I usually start making these in October for Xmas presents. Sometimes I make them in mini pans too. Absolutly delicious and a welcome gift. As they are sitting I add more rum to the soaked cheesecloth about every week to keep them moist. I found this recipe in a Montreal newspaper (The Gazette) and have use it for 20 years now. Time does not include overnight marinating time.

Provided by FrenchBunny

Categories     Dessert

Time 3h45m

Yield 2 loaves, 16-25 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 1/2 cups golden raisins
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 cup dates (chopped)
1 cup dried apricot (chopped)
1 cup golden fig (chopped)
1 cup blanched almond (whole)
1 cup pecans
1 1/2 cups candied citrus peel
1 cup candied cherry (halved)
1/2 cup dark rum
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
4 eggs
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Steps:

  • In a large bowl mix the first nine ingredients. Pour rum over and stir. Cover and let sit overnight. Stirring occasionally.
  • In a large bowl cream the butter with the brown sugar until fluffy.
  • Beat in eggs one at a time beating well after each egg.
  • In a medium bowl sift 2 cups of the flour with baking powder,salt, cinnamon, allspice and cloves.
  • Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and stir well.
  • Toss 1/4 cup flour with the rum soaked fruits.
  • Pour batter over the fruit mixture and mix really well. Batter will be very thick.
  • Spoon into two 9 X 5 loaf pans lined with greased brown paper. Smooth the tops of the batter in the pans. If you wish arrange some candied cherries and almonds on top of batter.
  • Place pans in middle of the oven which has been preheated to 275°F Also place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack. Bake for 3 to 3 1/2 hours or until toothpick comes out clean. Place loaves in pan on rack for 15 minutes to cool completely. Remove paper or foil and wrap in rum soaked cheesecloth and wrap in foil. Store in cool, dry place for several weeks.

MRS. MAUS'S FRUITCAKE



Mrs. Maus's Fruitcake image

Growing up in Nutley, New Jersey, Martha used to help her neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Maus, who owned a bakery, make these delicious, buttery cakes filled with nuts and candied fruits. Read more about Martha's history with this dessert here.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Yield Makes five 6-inch cakes

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 cups plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided
12 large eggs
1/2 cup molasses
4 pounds candied and dried fruits, such as citron, lemon peel, orange peel, sour cherries, apricots, and golden raisins, chopped, divided (12 cups)
2 pounds nuts, such as walnuts and pecans, coarsely chopped (8 cups)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ground allspice
2/3 cup brandy, divided
Glaceed fruits, such as figs, oranges, pears, apricots, peaches, and pineapple, for garnish
Candied cherries and kumquats, for garnish
1 cup apricot jam

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 275 degrees. Butter five 6-by-2-inch round cake pans. Butter five strips of 18-by-3-inch parchment paper to form a collar for each pan.
  • Cream butter and 2 cups sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in molasses and 2 cups of candied fruit, blending well. Remove batter to a large bowl and add one-quarter of the nuts. Sift in flour and allspice 1 cup at a time, mixing well between additions. Add remaining candied fruit and nuts, stirring with a spoon. Divide batter evenly among pans; bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 3 to 3 1/2 hours. While still warm, brush with 1/3 cup brandy mixed with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar. Let cool on wire rack.
  • Gently remove cakes from pans and remove paper collars. Decorate cakes with glaceed fruits and candied cherries and kumquats. Heat apricot jam and remaining 1/3 cup brandy in a small saucepan over medium heat. Strain and brush over fruits to hold in place.

ICE BOX FRUITCAKE



Ice Box Fruitcake image

I don't know if this is a regional dish or what ... but NO ONE I talk to seems to have ever heard of it except the people in my family... and most people act like it's sooooo ODD ... but it's really yummy and it's really simple common ingredients ...

Provided by Elaine Harper

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Cherry Dessert Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 14

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped raisins
1 (4 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers, crushed

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, stir together the pecans, raisins, walnuts, cherries, condensed milk and vanilla wafers. Dough will be very thick, you will need to use your hands.
  • Form dough into a ring shape on top of a dinner plate. Wrap in many layers of plastic wrap and/or aluminum foil. Allow to age in the refrigerator for at least a week. The flavors will have a chance to blend and all of the milk will be absorbed into the cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 356.4 calories, Carbohydrate 46.2 g, Cholesterol 9.5 mg, Fat 18.2 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 110.5 mg, Sugar 22.7 g

FRUITCAKE BARS



Fruitcake Bars image

"This recipe has been a family favorite for years," tells Terry Mercede of Danbury, Connecticut. "People who declare they won't eat fruitcake love these bars! They're so easy to make...and they're colorful, too - chock-full of candied pineapple and red and green cherries."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield 8 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup butter, softened
1-3/4 cups packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups coarsely chopped walnuts
1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped candied pineapple
1-3/4 cups red and green candied cherries, halved
2 cups pitted dates, halved

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla. Add flour and walnuts; mix well. Spread evenly into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with pineapple, cherries and dates; press lightly into dough. , Bake at 325° for 45-50 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 87 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 21mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the taste of your fruitcake. Use fresh, ripe fruit, and good-quality nuts and spices.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the cake at a low temperature. This will help to prevent the cake from drying out. Bake the cake at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Store the cake in a cool, dry place. Fruitcake can be stored for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place.

Conclusion:

Fruitcake is a delicious and festive holiday treat. With a little planning and effort, you can make a fruitcake that your family and friends will love. So, don't be afraid to give it a try. Just follow these tips, and you'll be sure to make a delicious and memorable fruitcake.

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