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Deliciously glazed fruit cake, partially sliced, on a festive background.
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Classic Fruit Cake

A rich, moist, and traditional holiday fruit cake filled with a blend of dried fruits and nuts, soaked for deep flavor and perfect for gifting or celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert, Holiday
Cuisine: Traditional
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fruit Mixture
  • 1 1/2 cups dried pineapple, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups raisins, golden or regular
  • 1 cup dried apricots, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups dates, chopped
  • 1 cup candied red cherries plus extra for decoration
  • 1/3 cup crystallized ginger, diced (optional)
  • 3/4 cup rum, brandy, or juice (for soaking)
Cake Batter
  • 16 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp table salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp black cocoa (optional) for color
  • 1/4 cup boiled cider, golden syrup, or dark corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup apple juice, cranberry juice, or water
  • 2 cups chopped toasted nuts almonds, pecans, or walnuts

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking Pans
  • Wire Cooling Rack

Method
 

  1. Combine all dried fruits and chosen liquid in a bowl; cover and soak overnight or at least 1 hour.
  2. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and prepare pans by greasing and lining as needed.
  3. Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy, then add salt and spices.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix flour and black cocoa (if using) into the batter alternately with boiled cider.
  5. Stir in juice or water and fold in soaked fruit and nuts.
  6. Pour batter into pans and bake: 60 min for small, 75 min for medium, and ~130 min for standard loaves, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool completely, then optionally brush with rum or syrup and wrap tightly for storage.

Notes

Soaking the fruit and brushing with alcohol or syrup improves moisture and flavor; customize dried fruits or nuts as desired. Properly stored, this cake can last for many weeks and deepen in flavor over time. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}