Description
Indulge in the rich flavors and festive aromas of a classic Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake. This beloved holiday treat is packed with a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, all soaked in brandy for a moist and flavorful crumb. Perfect for celebrations or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
Scale
Dried Fruit Mix:
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped dates, dried cranberries)
Candied Fruit:
- 1 cup candied cherries (halved)
- 1 cup chopped candied pineapple
Nuts:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Soaking Mixture:
- 1/2 cup brandy or orange juice
Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup milk
- Additional brandy for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit Mixture: Combine dried fruit, candied cherries, pineapple, and nuts. Soak in brandy or orange juice for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the Batter: Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, molasses, and zest. Fold in dry ingredients and milk.
- Combine and Bake: Mix in soaked fruits. Bake for 2-2.5 hours.
- Cool and Store: Cool, brush with brandy, and wrap tightly. Mature for at least 1 week.
Notes
- This cake improves with age. Store in a cool, dry place for optimal flavor.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute orange juice or apple cider for brandy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
