Description
A delightful and moist fruit cake recipe passed down from Grandma, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, and chopped dried apricots)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brandy or apple juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit and chopped nuts. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice and brandy (if using). Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the floured fruit and nut mixture until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients.
- Substitute the dried fruit with your favorites, such as dried cherries or cranberries, for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg