Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of a classic Traditional Christmas Fruit Cake. Packed with a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and warming spices, this cake is a delightful holiday treat that gets better with age.
Ingredients
Dried Fruit Mix:
- 1½ cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped dates, chopped dried apricots)
Candied Cherries:
- 1 cup candied cherries (halved)
Candied Citrus Peel:
- ½ cup chopped candied citrus peel
Other Ingredients:
- ¾ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup brandy or dark rum (plus more for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a cake pan.
- Soak the fruit: Combine dried fruit, cherries, citrus peel, and brandy. Let soak.
- Prepare the batter: Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, then mix in dry ingredients and orange juice.
- Combine and bake: Stir in soaked fruit, nuts if using, and pour into pan. Bake for 2 to 2½ hours.
- Cool and store: Cool, brush with brandy, wrap, and store for up to 4 weeks before serving.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, use additional orange juice or brewed tea.
- Fruit cake improves in flavor as it matures.
- Decorate with marzipan and royal icing for a festive look.
