There’s something magical about the scent of a fruit cake baking in the oven. It takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays, where the warm aromas of dried fruits and spices filled the air. I remember how she would gather us all around, sharing stories and laughter while we watched her transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Her fruit cake was the star of every festive gathering, and I can still picture the joy on everyone’s faces as they took their first bite.
Growing up, I loved helping her mix the ingredients, carefully folding in the vibrant fruits and nuts. It wasn’t just about baking; it was about being together, creating memories that would last a lifetime. I can still hear her saying, “A good cake is made with love,” and I truly believe that’s what made her fruit cake so special.
Now, as I share my own version of this treasured recipe, I want you to feel that same warmth and joy. This fruit cake is all about bringing people together, creating new traditions, and enjoying those moments that make life so sweet. So grab your mixing bowl, put on your favorite apron, and let’s create a cake that’s not just delicious but filled with love and laughter, just like those wonderful days in my grandmother’s kitchen.
Why We Love This Easy Fruit Cake Recipe
Let’s be honest: fruit cake has a bit of a bad reputation, often being the punchline at holiday gatherings. But this easy fruit cake recipe? It’s a whole different ball game!
First off, the ingredients are so simple that you might already have them stashed in your pantry—unless you’ve already devoured all the raisins in a midnight snack frenzy! Plus, you can customize it with your favorite dried fruits and nuts, making it your own culinary masterpiece—like a blank canvas that lets you unleash your inner artist.
It’s perfect for sharing at any occasion, and it slices beautifully, so you can impress your friends while keeping an eye on that one person trying to sneak the biggest piece. And with its deliciously moist and flavorful blend of fruits and spices, you might even find yourself enjoying it for breakfast (hey, fruit counts as healthy, right?).
Key ingredients
- Dried Fruits: A mix of dried fruits such as raisins, currants, apricots, cherries, and figs adds sweetness and texture.
- Butter: Unsalted butter provides richness and moisture to the cake.
- Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of the cake, providing stability and texture.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise, making it light and fluffy.
- Spices: Common spices include cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, which add warmth and depth of flavor.
- Nuts: Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) add crunch and flavor.
- Citrus Zest: The zest of lemon and orange adds a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens the cake.
How to make fresh fruit cake
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by adding 1 cup (225g) of unsalted butter to a large saucepan. Next, add 3 cups (560g) of mixed dried fruits, 3/4 cup (180ml) of water, and 2/3 cup (100g) of brown sugar. For a touch of sweetness, mix in 2 tablespoons of honey.
Cooking the Fruit Mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool until it reaches a warm temperature.
Incorporating the Eggs and Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 eggs with a splash of vanilla extract. Add the egg mixture to the warm fruit mixture and stir well. In another bowl, sift together 1 2/3 cups (230g) of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Add the zest of one lemon and one orange, then gently fold this dry mixture into the fruit mixture until just combined. Finally, fold in 3/4 cup (100g) of chopped nuts.”
Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to get it nice and even. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, feel free to cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Moist & Easy Fruit Cake Recipe: Perfect for Any Occasion
Description
This moist fruit cake is a tribute to my grandmother's memories, filled with sweetness and comforting flavors. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it's perfect for any festive occasion. With a blend of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, each bite takes you back to those warm moments spent in the kitchen. Get ready to create new memories with this cake that combines tradition and deliciousness!
Ingredients
Instructions
Boiled Fruit Mixture
In a large saucepan, add 1 cup (225g) of unsalted butter, 3 cups (560g) of mixed dried fruits, 3/4 cup (180ml) of water, and 2/3 cup (100g) of brown sugar.
Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the mixture.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool until it reaches a warm temperature.
Fresh Fruit Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-9 inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 eggs with a splash of vanilla extract until combined.
Once the boiled fruit mixture has cooled to a warm temperature, add the egg mixture and stir well to combine.
In a separate bowl, sift together 1 2/3 cups (230g) of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.
Add the zest of one lemon and one orange to the dry ingredients, then gently fold this mixture into the fruit mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in 3/4 cup (100g) of chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
If the top of the cake browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the remaining baking time.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
Serving Size 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 75mg25%
- Sodium 150mg7%
- Potassium 250mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 52g18%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 38g
- Protein 5g10%
- Vitamin A 400 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 50 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
- Vitamin D 5 IU
- Vitamin E 0.5 IU
- Vitamin K 2 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.1 mg
- Niacin 0.5 mg
- Folate 15 mcg
- Phosphorus 70 mg
- Magnesium 20 mg
- Zinc 0.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
