Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake Recipe
If you’re longing for a cozy, festive treat that delivers both nostalgia and irresistible flavor, this Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake is the recipe you’ve been waiting for! Brimming with plump dried fruits, crunchy nuts, warm spices, and a hint of citrus, this classic loaf captures everything wonderful about traditional holiday baking. Passed down through generations, it has a moist, tender crumb and a fragrance that fills your kitchen with comfort. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a slice with your afternoon tea, this Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake always feels like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of making an Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake comes from using a handful of everyday baking ingredients, each one playing a key role in building that perfect taste and texture. Think of these not just as components, but as little bites of tradition that mingle to form a show-stopping loaf!
- Unsalted Butter: This forms the rich, tender base of the cake and ensures every bite stays moist.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the fruits and gives the cake that signature golden crust.
- Large Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and adding extra richness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your cake, bringing structure and a soft, sturdy crumb.
- Baking Powder: Gives the cake a gentle lift—nobody wants a dense or stodgy loaf!
- Salt: Just enough to sharpen the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Warm, sweet spice that feels like a holiday in every bite.
- Ground Cloves: Deep, aromatic flavor that adds nuance to the overall spice profile.
- Ground Nutmeg: A pinch delivers classic festive depth and warmth.
- Orange Juice: Keeps the crumb extra moist and infuses the loaf with fresh citrus notes.
- Molasses: Brings color and a robust, old-world sweetness that ties the flavors together.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the spice and fruit flavors for the perfect finish.
- Mixed Dried Fruits: The heart of an Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake—add your favorites for texture and sweetness.
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans bring crunch and a nutty complexity.
- Candied Lemon or Orange Peel (optional): A pop of color and lively citrus aroma—especially festive!
How to Make Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
To kick things off, preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it neatly with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking, but also makes it a breeze to lift the cake out whole—no crumbling allowed!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat this duo together until it’s pale, fluffy, and dreamy. This stage is all about building airiness into your Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake for that perfect, light crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
Crack in the eggs one at a time, giving each a good mix before adding the next. You’ll notice the batter becoming richer and silkier with every addition—resist the urge to rush!
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Whisking helps distribute those cozy spices, ensuring every slice is fragrant and perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and orange juice to your creamed mixture. This keeps the batter nice and smooth, allowing the flour to blend in gently for a tender cake. Pause to appreciate the citrusy aroma as you mix!
Step 6: Stir in Molasses and Vanilla
Pour in the molasses and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated. The molasses transforms the color and dials up that unmistakable old-fashioned vibe—don’t skip it!
Step 7: Fold in Fruits, Nuts, and Peel
Switch to a spatula and gently fold in the dried fruits, nuts, and (if you like) candied peel. Make sure they’re evenly distributed so that every bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Step 8: Fill the Pan and Smooth the Top
Scoop the thick, fruit-filled batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out and smoothing the top with a spatula. This ensures your Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake bakes up with a perfect shape.
Step 9: Bake!
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 70–80 minutes. The heavenly smell is a good sign you’re on the right track! Check at 70 minutes with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, your cake is ready to join your favorites collection.
Step 10: Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes; this helps it hold together. Then carefully transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. This is the hardest part—waiting!—but it’s worth every moment.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of citrus glaze, or even a scatter of extra chopped nuts. For a special occasion, arrange slices of candied orange or lemon peel on top—simple touches make each slice look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This fruit cake is wonderful on its own, but pairs perfectly with lightly sweetened whipped cream, a dollop of vanilla ice cream, or a thick wedge of brie or sharp cheddar. Each combo brings out a new dimension of flavor in the loaf, making it as versatile as it is delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to wow your guests, slice the cake and plate it with fresh berries or compote. For a festive twist, offer thin slices alongside mugs of mulled wine or hot cider. Little individual servings wrapped in parchment also make thoughtful and memorable holiday gifts!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices of Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake tightly in plastic wrap or stash them in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, so it’s perfect for make-ahead snacking or entertaining. Store at room temperature for up to one week.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Simply wrap the loaf or individual slices securely in foil, then slip them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving (or sneak a slice straight from the freezer if you can’t wait).
Reheating
If you prefer your fruit cake just a little warm, place a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm it gently in a low oven. The cake comes back to life, reviving that fresh-from-the-oven aroma and making every bite feel like a special treat.
FAQs
Can I use a different mix of dried fruits?
Absolutely! Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake is wonderfully flexible—try cherries, figs, golden raisins, or whatever you have on hand. Just keep the total amount to about 2 cups for best results.
Can I add alcohol for a more traditional taste?
Yes, for classic depth, brush the finished cake with a little rum or brandy while it’s still warm. Not only does it boost the flavor, but it also helps preserve the loaf—perfect for gifting or making ahead.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can swap in a high-quality gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Make sure it contains a binder like xanthan gum, and you’ll still get a moist, flavorful result with your Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake.
How do I prevent the dried fruits from sinking?
Toss your dried fruits with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps keep them suspended throughout the loaf, so every slice looks beautiful and tastes balanced.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and divide between two loaf pans. Bake as directed, but keep an eye on them near the end of the baking time—each oven’s a little different.
Final Thoughts
Baking an Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake is one of those traditions that brings everyone into the kitchen and puts a smile on every face. It’s rich, flavorful, and delightfully simple to make. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a cherished favorite across generations. Go ahead—add a little slice of old-world charm to your table!
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Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. Packed with a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, this moist and flavorful cake will surely become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, chopped dates, and chopped dried apricots)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup candied lemon or orange peel (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the orange juice. Stir in the molasses and vanilla extract until combined.
- Fold in fruits and nuts: Fold in the dried fruits, nuts, and candied peel until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best flavor, bake the cake a day or two ahead and store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature.
- Brushing the cake with rum or brandy adds a traditional touch.
- Store the cake in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
