Best 7 Light Candied Fruitcake Recipes

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Light candied fruitcake is a classic holiday treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This delicious cake is typically made with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and it is often soaked in a sweet syrup to give it a moist and flavorful texture. While traditional fruitcake can be quite dense and heavy, light candied fruitcake is made with a lighter batter and less sugar, making it a healthier and more enjoyable option for those who are looking for a lighter dessert. With so many different recipes available, finding the best one for your needs can be a challenge. This article will provide you with some tips and tricks to help you find the perfect light candied fruitcake recipe to enjoy during the holiday season or any other time of the year.

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

LIGHT CANDIED FRUITCAKE



Light Candied Fruitcake image

Light as a feather and full of flavor, this fruitcake from Nancy Adams of Las Vegas, Nevada makes a delectable treat to take to a potluck or to give to a friend. "Folks who taste a slice always request the recipe," she smiles.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield 14-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/3 cup warm whole milk (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3-1/4 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
1-1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest
ORANGE GLAZE:
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
4 to 6 tablespoons orange juice
Red and green candied cherries

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, butter, sugar, eggs, salt, spices and 2 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough (do not knead). Cover and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes., Stir dough down. Stir in fruit, raisins, nuts and orange zest. Transfer to a greased 10-in. fluted tube pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours., Bake at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely., For glaze, in a bowl, combine sugar, orange zest and enough orange juice to achieve drizzling consistency; spoon over cake. Decorate with cherries.

Nutrition Facts :

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

ELEGANT LIGHT FRUIT CAKE



Elegant Light Fruit Cake image

This fruit cake does not need a ripening period, and is very lovely to look at and eat.

Provided by Carol

Categories     Desserts     Specialty Dessert Recipes     Liqueur Dessert Recipes     Brandy

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 cups ground almonds
3 cups red candied cherries
1 ½ cups green candied cherries
1 (8 ounce) package diced candied citron
6 cups golden raisins
8 ounces candied pineapple, diced
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup shortening
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 ⅔ cups white sugar
8 egg yolks
4 teaspoons almond extract
⅔ cup brandy
⅔ cup milk
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
8 egg whites
1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Place a pan of water in oven. Grease thoroughly and line with heavy brown paper one set of tier pans (one 9 inch, one 7 inch, and one 5 inch).
  • In a large bowl combine ground almonds and fruits. Dredge with one cup flour.
  • In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup flour and shortening. Gradually blend in white sugar. Beat in egg yolks and almond flavoring; beat until very light and fluffy. Mix together brandy and milk; add alternately with 4 1/2 cups flour to creamed mixture. Make 3 dry and 2 liquid additions, combining lightly after each.
  • In another bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar to form stiff but moist peaks. Fold into batter. Fold in floured fruit mixture.
  • Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, depending on size of pan. Bake each cake until it tests done with a toothpick. Remove from pans, and lift off paper. Cool.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 429.7 calories, Carbohydrate 75.9 g, Cholesterol 45.9 mg, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 6.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 55 mg, Sugar 44.6 g

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.

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.

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

OLD FASHIONED LIGHT FRUITCAKE



Old Fashioned Light Fruitcake image

This is a very light fruitcake to be made for the Holiday season. When cake is cooled, wrap in brandy soaked chessecloth, then wrap in foil, and store for several weeks to allow flavors to mellow. I usually make these in July or August to get ready for the Christmas Season, and check on them a few times and add more brandy if needed, They are simply delicious by the time you eat them!!

Provided by Chef mariajane

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h

Yield 1 10 inch tube pan

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine
2 1/4 cups sugar
6 eggs
3 tablespoons brandy, flav9or
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6 cups chopped pecans
4 cups mixed candied fruit, and peel
1 (15 ounce) package golden raisins
honey
additional candied fruit and nuts (optional)

Steps:

  • Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after additions; stir in brandy flavoring. Combine dry ingredients, pecans, candied fruit, and raisins; mix well. Add fruit to creamed mixture, blending well.
  • Spoon batter into a well-greased 10-inch tube pan or two 9x5x3 inch loaf pans lined with brown paper. Bake at 275F for 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Brush top with honey 30 minutes before cake is done; then decorate with additional candied fruit and nuts, if desired. Remove from oven when cake tests done; when completely cool, wrap cake tightly in cheesecloth , and then in aluminum foil, or an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 11639.3, Fat 692.5, SaturatedFat 168.4, Cholesterol 1757, Sodium 5462.4, Carbohydrate 1283.2, Fiber 96.4, Sugar 743.8, Protein 166.7

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the fruitcake will be. Use fresh, ripe fruit, and high-quality nuts and spices.
  • Soak the fruit in alcohol. This helps to plump up the fruit and add flavor to the cake. You can use any type of alcohol you like, but rum, brandy, or bourbon are all good choices.
  • Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will help to incorporate air into the cake, making it light and tender.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help to prevent the cake from curdling.
  • Fold in the flour and spices gradually. Overmixing will toughen the cake.
  • Bake the cake in a preheated oven. This will help to prevent the cake from sinking.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.

Conclusion:

Candied fruitcake is a delicious and festive holiday treat. It is a labor of love, but it is well worth the effort. With a little planning and care, you can make a fruitcake that will be enjoyed by your family and friends for years to come.

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