Fruit Cake

I love answering friends when they ask what is a fruit cake, because I get to say something like, it is basically a holiday treasure chest packed with fruit, spice, and pure comfort. I baked my first fruit cake recipe years ago, and it shocked me in the best way. People love to joke about fruit cake like it is some ancient brick that shows up every December, but once you learn how to make fruit cake the right way, you unlock a dessert that tastes warm, rich, and unbelievably nostalgic. Ever wondered why the real homemade version tastes nothing like the dry slices you see in comedy skits? Stick around and you will see.

I promise to keep this chat friendly and honest, because if we are making christmas fruit cake, we might as well enjoy the process. FYI, this version remains soft, full of flavor, and basically impossible to resist 🙂

Prep Time

20 minutes

Bake Time

1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings

12 slices

Nutrition Information

Per slice
Calories 310
Fat 12 g
Carbohydrates 47 g
Protein 4 g
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 31 g
Sodium 170 mg

Kitchen Tools Needed

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rubber spatula
9 inch loaf pan
Parchment paper
Cooling rack

Ingredients

1.5 cups mixed dried fruit
0.5 cup chopped candied cherries
0.5 cup orange juice
1.5 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
0.75 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
0.75 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.25 cup milk

How to Make Fruit Cake

1. Heat the oven to 325 F.
2. Line the loaf pan with parchment paper.
3. Place the dried fruit and cherries in a bowl. Pour the orange juice over them. Stir to coat.
4. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in another bowl.
5. Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture turns creamy.
6. Add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition.
7. Add the vanilla. Stir to combine.
8. Add half of the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter looks smooth.
9. Pour in the milk. Stir again.
10. Add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until the batter looks even.
11. Fold in the soaked fruit and any remaining juice.
12. Transfer the batter to the loaf pan. Smooth the top.
13. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
14. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Move it to a cooling rack.

Tips That Make Your Christmas Fruit Cake Incredible

These tips take your cake from good to unforgettable.

1.Use fresh spices: Fresh spices smell and taste stronger.

2.Balance sweet and tart fruits: Contrast creates better flavor.

3.Line your pan completely: Fruit cake sticks easily. Parchment solves the problem.

4.Avoid overbaking: Dry fruit cake breaks hearts everywhere.

5.Brush the cake as it ages: A little rum every couple of days keeps the cake moist and flavorful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced bakers slip up sometimes.

1.Skipping the soak: Unsoaked fruit drains moisture from your batter.

2.Using too much flour: Too much flour turns your slice into a dense block.

3.Overmixing the batter: This toughens the cake. Fold gently.

4. Baking too hot: High heat ruins the texture.

5.Using fruit you dislike: You should enjoy every ingredient in a christmas fruit cake.

Fun Variations to Try

You can customize this fruit cake recipe easily.

Chocolate fruit cake: Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips.

Citrus fruit cake: Add lemon and orange zest.

Tropical fruit cake: Use dried pineapple, mango, and coconut.

Nut free fruit cake: Replace nuts with extra fruit.

Storage and Serving Tips

Fruit cake stores beautifully.

Short term storage: Keep wrapped at room temperature.

Long term storage: Refrigerate or freeze. Flavor improves with time.

Serving suggestions

Slice with a sharp knife. Serve with tea, coffee, or whipped cream. I warm my slice slightly because it brings out the spice even more 🙂

Final Thought

Fruit cake deserves a fresh start, and this recipe makes that happen with simple steps and bright flavor. If you try it, share your experience in the comment section. Your feedback helps others bake with confidence!

Continue to Content

Fruit Cake

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

This Christmas fruit cake is a slice of holiday heaven—moist, tender, and packed with plump, juicy fruits and crunchy nuts. Each bite melts in your mouth with warm spices and a subtle hint of rum, making it impossible to resist. Soft yet satisfying, it’s the ultimate festive treat that beckons you back for just one more slice.

Print

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups mixed dried fruit
• 0.5 cup chopped candied cherries
• 0.5 cup orange juice
• 1.5 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.75 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup milk

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment.
• Soak dried fruit and cherries in orange juice.
• Mix flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Beat butter and sugar until creamy, then add eggs one at a time.
• Stir in vanilla, half the dry ingredients, then milk, then the rest of the dry ingredients.
• Fold in soaked fruit and juice.
• Pour batter into pan and smooth the top.
• Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Notes

• Use fresh spices: They boost aroma and flavor.
• Balance sweet and tart fruits: Creates a richer taste.
• Line your pan: Prevents sticking, use parchment.
• Avoid overbaking: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Brush as it ages: A little rum every few days keeps it flavorful.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 310Total Fat: 12gCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 2gSugar: 31gProtein: 4g