Ah, the Classic fruitcake! It’s a recipe that brings back sweet memories of family gatherings during the holidays. There’s something undeniably magical about that rich, moist cake filled with a colorful assortment of dried fruits and crunchy nuts. Every bite feels like a celebration! I remember my grandmother painstakingly preparing her version, her kitchen filled with the warm, spicy scents of cinnamon and nutmeg. Trust me, it’s not just any cake; it’s a treasure trove of flavors and tradition that warms your heart and home. So, let’s dive into making this delightful classic that everyone will love!

Ingredients List

2 cups mixed dried fruits (like raisins, apricots, and cranberries)
1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work beautifully)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup packed brown sugar (this adds that lovely depth of flavor)
4 large eggs (the binding magic of your cake)
2 cups all-purpose flour (for that perfect structure)
1 teaspoon baking powder (to help it rise nicely)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (because what’s fruitcake without spice?)
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (adds a warm, cozy flavor)
1/4 teaspoon salt (just a pinch to enhance all those flavors)
1/4 cup orange juice (for a fresh citrus zing)

How to Prepare Classic Fruitcake Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This is super important, so don’t skip it!
While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and toss in your mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts. Give them a good stir to combine—this ensures a delightful bite of both in every slice!
Next, in another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s all fluffy and light. This step is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, trust me!
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want them to blend in perfectly!
Now, sift in the flour, baking powder, spices, and salt into the buttery mixture. It’s like a warm hug of flavor coming together!
Gently fold in the fruit and nut mixture until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix, or your cake could end up dense!
Pour in the orange juice and mix lightly until combined. This adds such a refreshing zing!
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, spreading it evenly.
Pop it in the oven and bake for 60–70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; it’ll be worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Classic Fruitcake Recipe

Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday baking!
Rich, moist texture that melts in your mouth.
A delightful blend of sweet fruits and crunchy nuts in every bite.
A timeless holiday dessert that brings everyone together.
It stores well, so you can enjoy it long after it’s baked!

Tips for Success with Classic Fruitcake

To make your Classic fruitcake truly shine, consider soaking your dried fruits in orange juice overnight. This extra step not only enhances their flavor but also keeps the cake moist! When mixing, be gentle—overmixing can lead to a dense texture, and nobody wants that. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean. If you want to add a splash of rum or brandy for richness, go for it, but be careful not to overdo it. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your fruitcake to legendary status!

Variations of Classic Fruitcake

One of the best things about this Classic fruitcake is how versatile it is! You can swap out the dried fruits for your favorites—think dried cherries, figs, or even tropical pineapple for a fun twist! Want to spice things up? Add a teaspoon of ginger or a pinch of allspice to the mix for an extra layer of warmth. If you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing in some chocolate chips or a handful of shredded coconut for a unique flavor combo. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own delightful touch to this timeless treat. Get creative and make it your own!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for a slice of this Classic fruitcake. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes:

Calories: 300
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g

These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy indulging in this rich fruitcake while keeping an eye on your portions! It’s a treat worth savoring.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Classic fruitcake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last up to a month, but trust me, it rarely lasts that long! If you want to extend its life, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, there’s no need to fuss with reheating; it’s best served at room temperature. Just take it out of the fridge and let it sit for a bit before slicing. If you prefer it warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without drying it out. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

FAQ Section about Classic Fruitcake

Can I make Classic fruitcake ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, it often tastes even better after a few days as the flavors meld together. Just store it properly in an airtight container.

What can I use instead of dried fruits? If you’re not a fan of dried fruits, you can substitute with chocolate chips, nuts, or even fresh fruits, though the cake’s texture might change a bit.

How do I know when my fruitcake is done baking? A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking to avoid overcooking.

Can I freeze Classic fruitcake? Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it can last in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it!

Why does my fruitcake feel dense? Overmixing the batter can lead to a denser texture. Be gentle when folding in the fruits and nuts for the best results!

Classic Fruitcake: 7 Heartwarming Bites of Tradition

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Total Time: 100 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and moist fruitcake filled with assorted dried fruits and nuts.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
In a bowl, mix dried fruits and nuts.
Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
Sift flour, baking powder, spices, and salt into the mixture.
Fold in the fruit and nut mixture.
Add orange juice and mix until combined.
Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
Bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to a month.
For added flavor, soak fruits in orange juice overnight.
You can add a splash of rum or brandy for richness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 300
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Classic fruitcake, fruitcake recipe, holiday dessert

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