This Favorite Fruitcake is a deliciously updated version of the traditional holiday dessert, skipping the divisive citron and mixed peel for a more universally appealing flavor. Packed with juicy dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and warm spices, this moist and flavorful fruitcake is perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring during the holidays—or anytime you crave something sweet and special. Let’s bake up this crowd-pleasing masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No Citron or Mixed Peel: A fresher, sweeter take on fruitcake without the polarizing ingredients.
Packed with Goodies: Loaded with your favorite dried fruits and nuts for texture and flavor.
Moist & Flavorful: Soaked fruits and a long baking time ensure a rich, tender crumb.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Improves with time, making it ideal for holiday prep or gifting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Fruit Mixture:
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped dried apricots (or pitted dates)
1/2 cup dried cherries (or currants)
1/2 cup dark rum, brandy, or orange juice (for soaking)
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange (optional, for brightness)
For the Add-Ins:
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional, for added texture)
For Optional Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp rum, brandy, or orange juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soak the Fruits
In a medium bowl, combine the golden raisins, dried cranberries, chopped apricots, and dried cherries.
Pour the rum, brandy, or orange juice over the dried fruits and stir to coat.
Cover the bowl and let the fruits soak for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to plump them up and infuse them with flavor.
2. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a loaf pan or bundt pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
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