WHITE HOUSE FRUITCAKE

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White House Fruitcake image

Pastry chef Roland Mesnier has updated the version of the fruitcake made at the White House for many years.

Provided by Marian Burros

Categories     dessert

Time 1h30m

Yield 3 loaf cakes

Number Of Ingredients 29

1 15-ounce package raisins
2 cups golden raisins
1 cup currants
10 ounces mixed candied fruits
1 6-ounce mixture of glazed pears, peaches, apricots, figs and dates, cut up
1/3 cup candied pineapple
1 cup chopped pecans
4 ounces slivered almonds
1/2 cup bourbon or Port
1/4 cup brandy
1/2 pound butter
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 1/3 cup sifted all-purpose flour
Grated rind of 2 lemons
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
5 eggs
1 cup sifted cake flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 12-ounce jar apricot preserves
1/2 cup rum
6 to 8 tablespoons bourbon
1 pound confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons softened butter

Steps:

  • Combine the raisins, currants, candied fruits, glazed fruits, candied pineapple, pecans and almonds with the bourbon and brandy in a large bowl. Refrigerate overnight, or if possible, for two days.
  • Beat the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, honey, one-third cup of all-purpose flour, grated lemon rind, almond and vanilla extracts until well blended. Beat in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Sift together one cup of all-purpose flour, one cup of cake flour, salt, baking powder, nutmeg and cinnamon together. Add to the batter and beat until well mixed. Combine batter with the fruit and nut mixture, mixing well.
  • Grease three 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-by-2 1/2-inch pans. Line the bottoms and sides with aluminum foil; grease the foil. Spoon the batter into the prepared pans, smoothing tops.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for one hour or until the centers spring back when lightly pressed. If tops are browning too fast, cover lightly with buttered foil.
  • While the cakes are baking, bring the apricot preserves to a hard boil and boil for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to reduce.
  • Remove the cakes from the oven and while they are still hot, sprinkle with the rum. Then brush with the hot apricot jam.
  • Mix enough bourbon with confectioners' sugar and butter to make a frosting that is thin enough to spread on top of the apricot jam while the cakes are still warm.
  • Cool cakes in pans on wire rack. Allow frosting to dry. Remove cakes from pans; peel off foil. Cool completely. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate. Cake should be sliced chilled.

Vidit Jain
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This fruitcake was a bit too sweet for my taste, but it was still good. I think I might try reducing the amount of sugar next time. Overall, it was a good recipe and I would recommend it to others.


jackson hertz
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I made this fruitcake for my family and they loved it! It was the perfect holiday treat. The cake was moist and flavorful, and the candied fruits and nuts gave it a wonderful texture. I will definitely be making this again next year.


Harish Thapa
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This fruitcake was delicious! It was the perfect holiday treat. The cake was moist and flavorful, and the candied fruits and nuts gave it a wonderful texture. I will definitely be making this again next year.


Lehlogonolo Moeke
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This fruitcake was a bit too dry for my taste, but it was still good. I think I might try adding some extra moisture next time, like maybe some applesauce or yogurt. Overall, it was a good recipe and I would recommend it to others.


Rohan ahmed
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I made this fruitcake for my friends and they loved it! It was the perfect holiday gift. The cake was moist and flavorful, and the candied fruits and nuts gave it a wonderful texture. I will definitely be making this again next year.


Birebire Hassan
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This fruitcake was delicious! It was the perfect holiday treat. The cake was moist and flavorful, and the candied fruits and nuts gave it a wonderful texture. I will definitely be making this again next year.


MD Hossain khan
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This fruitcake was a bit too sweet for my taste, but it was still good. I think I might try reducing the amount of sugar next time. Overall, it was a good recipe and I would recommend it to others.


Biruk Yhun
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I made this fruitcake for my family and they loved it! It was the perfect holiday treat. The cake was moist and flavorful, and the candied fruits and nuts gave it a wonderful texture. I will definitely be making this again next year.


Ahmad Baloch
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This fruitcake was delicious! It was moist and flavorful, and the candied fruits and nuts were a perfect addition. I would definitely recommend this recipe to others.


Keith Wilkinson
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This fruitcake was a bit dry, but the flavor was good. I think I might try adding some extra moisture next time, like maybe some applesauce or yogurt. Overall, it was a good recipe and I would recommend it to others.


Madi Awan
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I'm so glad I found this recipe. This fruitcake is the best I've ever had. It's so moist and flavorful, and the candied fruits and nuts are a perfect addition. I will definitely be making this again next year.


Niko Chakhava
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This fruitcake is absolutely delicious! It's moist and flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The candied fruits and nuts give it a wonderful texture, and the glaze is the perfect finishing touch. I will definitely be making this a


Mochi IskindaDum
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I've made this fruitcake several times now, and it's always a hit. It's the perfect holiday gift, and it's also great for potlucks and parties. I highly recommend this recipe!


malaysia simmons
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This fruitcake was a bit of work to make, but it was worth it. The cake is so delicious and festive, and it's the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone who loves fruitcake.


Jenny Lowry
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I'm not usually a fan of fruitcake, but this recipe changed my mind. The cake is so moist and flavorful, and the candied fruits and nuts are a perfect addition. I will definitely be making this again.


Lorch Mthembu
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This is the best fruitcake I've ever had. It's so moist and flavorful, and the candied fruits and nuts give it a wonderful texture. I will definitely be making this again next year.


Marco Marine
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I made this fruitcake for Christmas dinner and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved it, and I even had people asking for the recipe. It's definitely a keeper!


Audrey Clark
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This White House Fruitcake is a delightful holiday treat that is sure to impress your friends and family. The cake is moist and flavorful, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. I highly recommend trying this recipe!