Classic Homemade Fruitcake 🎄🍊🍒
A rich, moist, and boozy holiday fruitcake packed with candied fruits, nuts, and warm spices—soaked in rum or brandy for maximum flavor!
Ingredients (Makes 2 loaves)
For the Fruit & Nut Mix:
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2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped apricots, candied citrus peel)
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1 cup glacé cherries (halved)
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1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
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½ cup dark rum or brandy (plus extra for soaking)
For the Cake Batter:
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1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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¼ tsp cloves
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½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup (100g) brown sugar
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3 large eggs
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2 tbsp molasses or honey
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 orange
For Decoration (Optional):
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Whole nuts
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Extra glacé cherries
Instructions
1. Soak the Fruit
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Combine dried fruit, cherries, nuts, and rum in a bowl. Cover and let soak overnight (or microwave for 2 mins to speed up).
2. Make the Batter
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Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two 8×4-inch loaf pans with parchment paper.
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Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
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Beat butter + sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then molasses, vanilla, and orange zest.
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Fold in dry ingredients, then the soaked fruit mixture (including any liquid).
3. Bake Low & Slow
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Divide batter between pans. Decorate tops with extra nuts/cherries if desired.
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Bake for 1.5–2 hours until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Age the Cake (Optional but Recommended!)
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Poke holes in warm cakes and brush with 2 tbsp extra rum/brandy.
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Wrap tightly in cheesecloth soaked in rum, then foil. Store in a cool place for 2+ weeks, brushing with alcohol every few days.
Tips for Success
✔ Don’t skip the soaking—it plumps the fruit and prevents dryness.
✔ Low oven temp ensures even baking without burning.
✔ Hate traditional fruitcake? Try this recipe—the rum and spices balance the sweetness!
Why This Fruitcake Wins
✅ Not brick-like! Moist, flavorful, and aromatic.
✅ Gift-worthy: Improves with age (up to 3 months!).
✅ Customizable: Use your favorite dried fruits and liquors (try bourbon or orange liqueur).
Serve with: Spiced tea, coffee, or a glass of dessert wine.
Want non-alcoholic? Substitute rum with apple juice + 1 tsp vanilla. 😊
Need a smaller batch? Halve the recipe and use one loaf pan.