Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake

why make this recipe

Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake is a classic recipe that brings back memories of family gatherings and celebrations. This cake is rich, moist, and packed with lovely flavors from dried fruits and spices. It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion. The best part? It’s easy to make and only gets better with time!

how to make Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake

Ingredients :

• 2 cups mixed dried fruits
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup brandy or rum

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well combined.
6. Stir in the mixed dried fruits, chopped nuts, orange juice, and brandy or rum.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool before serving.

how to serve Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake

Serve your Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake by slicing it into pieces. It’s delightful on its own, but you can also enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence. For a special touch, consider dusting the top with powdered sugar.

how to store Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake

To keep your Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep it for a longer time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. This cake can last for several weeks, and the flavors will deepen over time.

tips to make Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake

• Use a variety of dried fruits for different flavors and textures.
• Soak the dried fruits in brandy or rum overnight for added moisture and richness.
• Make sure to mix the batter well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
• Test the cake doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean for a perfectly baked cake.

variation (if any)

Try adding chocolate chips or shredded coconut for a twist on the classic flavor. You can also experiment with different spices such as ginger or allspice to suit your taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
It’s best to use dried fruits for this recipe since they provide a concentrated flavor and prevent the cake from getting soggy.

2. How can I make it less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly or use unsweetened dried fruits to balance the sweetness.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake often tastes better after a few days, as the flavors have time to meld together. Just store it properly!