Best 8 Grandmas Molasses Fruitcake Recipes

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Grandmas Molasses Fruitcake is an old-fashioned classic holiday treat that has been around for generations. Filled with warm, nostalgic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this delicious cake is packed with flavor. The molasses adds a rich, decadent sweetness, while the dried fruits (raisins, currants, and cherries) provide a chewy, fruity texture. With its moist crumb and crunchy nuts, this old-fashioned recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and sure to be a hit at any gathering. So gather the ingredients and prepare to enjoy a slice of this timeless holiday tradition.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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.

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.

GRANDMA LEACH'S FRUITCAKE



Grandma Leach's Fruitcake image

My grandmother and mother made these cakes for years. They are moist but don't contain eggs. Applesauce is the secret ingredient. I sold these at bake sales for years and we had many customers who returned every year just to get one.

Provided by GAREYSGAL

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Holiday Cake Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 48

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cloves
3 cups unsweetened applesauce
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped pitted dates
1 pound candied mixed fruit
2 cups chopped walnuts
½ cup walnut halves
1 cup halved candied cherries

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch tube pan and one 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  • Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and cloves into a large bowl. Stir in the applesauce and oil, then mix in the raisins, dates, mixed fruit and 2 cups of walnuts. Pour into the prepared pans. Pans should be about 3/4 full if using mini pans, or an assortment.
  • Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the crown of the cake comes out clean.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 209.7 calories, Carbohydrate 34.8 g, Fat 7.7 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 2.4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 131.9 mg, Sugar 16.2 g

OLD-FASHIONED MOLASSES CAKE



Old-Fashioned Molasses Cake image

This old-time spice cake is lower in fat but big on flavor. Serve it warm for breakfast on a frosty morning or have a square with hot cider on a snowy afternoon. It's a great cold-weather treat. -Deanne Bagley, Bath, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons reduced-fat butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 cup molasses
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup hot water
9 tablespoons fat-free whipped topping

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, beat butter and sugar until crumbly, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg. Beat in molasses. Combine the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with water, mixing well after each addition., Transfer to a 9-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into squares; garnish with whipped topping.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 148 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 205mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g 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 CAKE



Grandma's Molasses Cake image

Make and share this Grandma's Molasses Cake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Shirl J 831

Categories     Dessert

Time 45m

Yield 1 cake

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup shortening (minus 1 Tbsp)
1/2 cup molasses
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon clove
1 cup seeded raisins
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup hot water

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 and oil 8" cake pan.
  • Combine all ingredients, except the hot water, mix well.
  • Add hot water, batter will be thin.
  • Blend well and pour into pan.
  • Bkae 35 minutes.

OLD TIME MOLASSES FRUITCAKE



OLD TIME MOLASSES FRUITCAKE image

If you grew up eating fruitcake at Christmas, this recipe is bound to conjure up memories. This spicy loaf is packed with raisins, candied cherries and fruit peel. It needs to season for several weeks, so be sure to make your cakes well before the holiday season.

Categories     Desserts and Baking

Yield Makes 2 loaves.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups dark raisins
3 cups golden raisins
1 cup candied cherries or deluxe mixed fruit
1 cup candied mixed peel
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 cup shortening
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
6 large eggs
1/2 cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300°F. Grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans and line with a double thickness of greased parchment paper.
  • Combine 1/4 cup flour with raisins, cherries and peel.
  • Combine 1 1/4 cups with soda, salt and spices.
  • Cream shortening and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add molasses and vanilla; mix well.
  • Blend dry ingredients into wet ingredients; fold in fruit mixture. Spoon batter into prepared pans.
  • Bake until a cake tester inserted into the centre comes out clean, about 2 hours.
  • Cool in pans on a rack. Wrap cakes when completely cooled. Allow cakes to season for 4 - 6 weeks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 229 calories, 6.7 g fat, 2.4 g protein, 41.4 g carbohydrate, 1.5 g fibre, 64 mg sodium

GREAT-GREAT GRANDMA NEFF'S SOFT MOLASSES CAKE



Great-Great Grandma Neff's Soft Molasses Cake image

My grandmother used to send me recipes in the mail and this is one that I treasure the most. I refer to it as a snack "bread" more than a "cake". Most people love it for the nostalgic feeling they get when their grandmother's made it when they were children. Great for the cold months with it's warm aroma filling your house. Perfect with coffee or tea after dinner.

Provided by Pooh Bear

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 1 loaf or 7X11 size

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 eggs, well beaten
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups molasses
1/2 cup melted butter
2 teaspoons baking soda, dissolved in
1 cup boiling water
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 pinch salt

Steps:

  • Mix all dry ingredients except the baking soda.
  • Dissolve the baking soda in the boiling water.
  • Add the baking soda mixture, beaten eggs, melted butter and the molasses to the dry mixture.
  • Mix well.
  • Batter will be thin.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes, checking the cake at 40 minutes with a toothpick (center comes out clean).
  • Serve warm.
  • May dust with some powdered sugar.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 3970.5, Fat 106.5, SaturatedFat 62.4, Cholesterol 667, Sodium 3670.1, Carbohydrate 720.8, Fiber 10.7, Sugar 382.5, Protein 46.1

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, ripe fruit, pure molasses, and top-notch spices will make all the difference in the flavor of your fruitcake.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a tough, dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the cake at a low temperature: This will help to prevent the cake from drying out.
  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil: This will help to keep the cake moist.
  • Age the cake for at least two weeks: This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.

Conclusion:

Grandma's Molasses Fruitcake is a delicious and festive holiday treat. With its rich, moist texture and abundance of fruit and spices, it's sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a special holiday dessert, give this classic recipe a try.

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