Fruitcake is a classic Christmas dessert cherished for its rich flavors and dense texture. This recipe ensures a moist, flavorful fruitcake that will delight your family and friends during the holiday season.
Ingredients for Homemade Fruitcake
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brandy or rum
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped dried figs
- 1 cup chopped candied cherries
- 1 cup chopped candied pineapple
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chopped pecans
How to Make Homemade Fruitcake
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube or bundt pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the orange juice and brandy or rum.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apricots, dates, figs, cherries, pineapple, walnuts, and pecans until evenly distributed.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the fruitcake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
About the Main Ingredients
- Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the fruitcake.
- Brown Sugar: Adds caramel-like flavor and helps keep the cake moist.
- Dried Fruits (Apricots, Dates, Figs): These add sweetness, chewiness, and a variety of flavors to the fruitcake.
- Candied Cherries and Pineapple: Traditional additions that provide color and a burst of sweetness.
- Nuts (Walnuts, Pecans): Offer crunch and nutty flavor, balancing the sweetness of the fruits.
- Brandy or Rum: Enhances the flavor profile and helps preserve the fruitcake.
Enjoy this homemade fruitcake as a delightful treat or gift it to loved ones during the festive season. Its rich flavors and dense texture make it a Christmas tradition worth savoring!
