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Moist & Easy Fruit Cake Recipe: Perfect for Any Occasion

Fruit Cake Recipe
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. Large saucepan with butter, dried fruits, water, and brown sugar, ready to make a fruit mixture for cake.

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." Saucepan on medium heat with fruit mixture simmering for fruit cake preparation.

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. Warm fruit mixture with eggs, flour, spices, and nuts being mixed together in a bowl.
Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 50 mins Rest Time: 5 mins Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Cooking Temp 180  °C
Servings 10
Estimated Cost $  10
Calories 350
Best Season Winter
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
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (225g)
  • 2 Tbsp honey (45g)
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar (100g)
  • 1 Zest of lemon
  • 1 Zest of orange
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ginger powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1/4 tsp teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (230g)
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup chopped nuts (100g) ((any variety you prefer))
  • 3 cups mixed dried fruits (560g) ((raisins, currants, or any other dried fruit))
  • 3/4 cup water (180ml)
Instructions
    Boiled Fruit Mixture

  1. 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.

  2. Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the mixture.

  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool until it reaches a warm temperature.

    5. Fresh Fruit Cake

  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-9 inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 eggs with a splash of vanilla extract until combined.

  7. Once the boiled fruit mixture has cooled to a warm temperature, add the egg mixture and stir well to combine.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Fold in 3/4 cup (100g) of chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

    11. Baking the Cake

  11. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

  12. 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.

  13. If the top of the cake browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the remaining baking time.

  14. 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.

Keywords: Fresh fruit cake recipe, Easy fruit cake recipe, Moist fruit cake, Best fresh fruit cake for holidays, Homemade fruit cake with fresh ingredients
Read it online: https://sweettreatsrecipe.com/recipe/easy-moist-fruit-cake/
Jessica Carter
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hello! I’m Jessica Carter, the passionate baker behind Sweet Creations. My love for pâtisserie began in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned that baking is about more than just recipes—it’s about love, patience, and sharing. This blog is my way of continuing her legacy, sharing what I’ve learned, and bringing a little sweetness into your life. Let’s bake something special together!