Fruit cakes are a holiday classic. They are rich, flavorful, and packed with dried fruits and nuts, making them the perfect indulgence for any festive occasion. Whether you’re preparing a gift for a loved one or treating yourself to a delicious homemade dessert, a fruit cake is an excellent choice. Below, you’ll find four fruit cake recipes, each unique in flavor and preparation, perfect for all your baking needs.
1. Classic Fruit Cake Recipe
This traditional fruit cake is perfect for those who love rich flavors and a touch of nostalgia. It is filled with raisins, currants, and candied citrus peel, soaked in rum or brandy for a boozy kick!
Ingredients:
2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1 cup candied ginger (optional)
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup dark rum or brandy
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, soak the dried fruit in the rum or brandy and orange juice. Let it sit for at least 2 hours.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Fold in the soaked fruit mixture, followed by the flour mixture, and stir until combined. Add in the nuts and mix gently.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before serving. For extra flavor, you can brush the cake with more rum or brandy while it cools.
2. Vegan Fruit Cake Recipe
For those following a plant-based lifestyle, this vegan fruit cake is an excellent alternative. It’s just as moist and delicious without any animal products!
Ingredients:
2 cups mixed dried fruit
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup orange juice
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
In a bowl, soak the dried fruit in orange juice for about 30 minutes.
In another bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
Add the applesauce, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and soaked fruit (with any remaining juice) to the dry ingredients. Mix well.
Fold in the chopped walnuts, then pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool and serve.
3. Easy No-Bake Fruit Cake Recipe
This no-bake fruit cake is an ideal choice for when you’re short on time but still want a delicious treat. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for summer or any time of year.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried apricots
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup coconut flakes
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions:
In a food processor, pulse the apricots, raisins, and almonds until finely chopped.
In a bowl, combine the fruit and nut mixture with coconut flakes, cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs.
Add the honey and orange juice to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
Press the mixture into a lined baking dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Slice and serve chilled.
4. Gluten-Free Fruit Cake Recipe
For those who need to avoid gluten, this gluten-free fruit cake is just as moist and flavorful as the traditional version, without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups dried mixed fruit (raisins, cherries, etc.)
1/2 cup dried apricots
1 cup gluten-free flour blend
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup chopped almonds or walnuts
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a bowl, combine the dried fruit and orange juice. Let it soak for about an hour.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well.
Fold in the soaked fruit mixture and dry ingredients, followed by the chopped nuts.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool before serving.