ADVERTISEMENT

Best Fruit Cake Ever

ADVERTISEMENT

Here’s a recipe for the Best Fruit Cake Ever moist, flavorful, and perfect for the holidays or any special occasion!


Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120ml) orange juice
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, or sultanas)
  • 1 cup (150g) mixed candied fruit (cherries, pineapple, etc.)
  • 1 cup (100g) chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • 1 cup (240ml) dark rum or brandy (optional)
  • ½ cup (75g) dried apricots, chopped
  • ½ cup (50g) dried figs, chopped
  • 1 cup (150g) chopped dates
  • 1 cup (150g) unsweetened applesauce

For the glaze:

  • ¼ cup (60ml) apricot preserves or fruit jelly
  • 2 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Prepare the cake batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger). Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract.

2. Add the fruits and nuts

  1. Gently fold the dried fruits, candied fruits, apricots, figs, dates, and nuts into the batter. If desired, add the rum or brandy for extra flavor.
  2. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  3. Stir in the applesauce until smooth.

3. Bake the fruitcake

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  2. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Glaze the fruitcake

  1. In a small saucepan, combine apricot preserves and water. Heat over low heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thin.
  2. Brush the glaze over the cooled fruitcake to add a beautiful shiny finish.

5. Serve and enjoy

  1. Once the glaze has set, slice and enjoy the Best Fruit Cake Ever! This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week and gets even better with age.

Tips

  • For extra flavor, you can soak the dried fruits in rum or brandy for a few hours or overnight before adding them to the batter.
  • If you prefer a less sweet fruitcake, you can reduce the sugar and glaze.
  • This fruitcake can be made ahead of time for holidays, and it often tastes even better after a few days.

Enjoy this deliciously moist and flavorful fruitcake the perfect treat for any occasion!

ADVERTISEMENT

Leave a Comment