Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re diving into a timeless classic that’s sure to make your holiday season even sweeter – Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake. Whether you’re a long-time lover of this rich, fruity delight or trying it for the first time, this recipe will surely become a holiday tradition in your home. Bursting with dried fruits, candied cherries, and nuts, this fruit cake is moist, flavorful, and the perfect way to celebrate the festive season with family and friends. So, let’s get started on making this delectable treat that will light up any holiday table!
Why You’ll Love This Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake
- Deliciously Fruity: This cake is packed with a mix of dried fruits and nuts that create a flavorful extravaganza in every bite.
- Beautiful Presentation: The bright colors of candied cherries on top offer a stunning centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.
- Classic Recipe: Following this age-old recipe guarantees a cake that tastes just like the festive ones cherished from childhood.
- Make Ahead: This fruit cake stores wonderfully, allowing you to prepare it well in advance of your festivities.
- Customizable: Customize with your favorite nuts and dried fruits to make it uniquely yours!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the actual process, it’s important to prepare your kitchen and gather all the necessary tools and ingredients for baking this Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized. You’ll need a standard loaf pan in which to bake the cake, and it’s advisable to line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Have your mixing bowls at the ready: a medium bowl for whisking the dry ingredients, and a large bowl for creaming the butter and sugar.
Additionally, make sure to have your measuring cups and spoons on hand for precise measurements, alongside a spatula for mixing and a whisk for combining the dry ingredients. An oven thermometer could be useful to ensure your oven is properly calibrated at the required temperature of 325°F (163°C). Once everything is in place, you’ll be ready to embark on creating this festive masterpiece.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup dried fruit mix (a mix of cherries, pineapple, apricots, etc.)
- 1/2 cup nuts, chopped (walnuts, pecans, or your favorite nuts)
- 1/4 cup candied cherries, halved
- Optional: Substitute with dried cranberries for a tart twist.
- 1/4 cup green candied cherries, halved
- 1/4 cup red candied cherries, halved
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin your baking journey by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your loaf pan by greasing it well with butter and dusting it lightly with flour. This will ensure that your fruit cake comes out without any hassle once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed, which is crucial for consistent rising and flavor throughout your cake.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture. This process is essential as it incorporates air into the batter, leading to a light and tender cake. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time. Make sure to beat well after each addition to achieve a smooth mixture. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract, which will lend a beautiful flavor to your cake.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, you will incorporate the dry flour mixture into your buttery batter. Do this gradually, alternating it with the milk. Start with about a third of the dry ingredients, mix, then add half of the milk, followed by more flour, the remaining milk, and finally the last portion of dry ingredients. This incremental method prevents overmixing and results in a tender cake.
Step 5: Fold in the Fruits and Nuts
With the batter well combined, gently fold in the dried fruit mix and chopped nuts. This step not only distributes the delightful flavors throughout the batter but also gives your cake texture. Be gentle in this process to maintain the airiness of the mixture.
Step 6: Decorate and Bake
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top using a spatula. To give your cake a festive touch, arrange the halved candied cherries artfully on top. This not only enhances the cake’s appearance but also introduces an extra pop of flavor. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 70-80 minutes. It’s crucial to test with a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when your cake is done. Meanwhile, enjoy the lovely aroma filling your kitchen!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it is fully cooled, slice it into generous pieces. The inviting aroma and the vibrant colors will surely captivate your guests!
Variations
- Protein: Add in some cooked and chopped chicken or turkey for a unique savory twist to your fruit cake.
- Vegetables: Consider folding in some finely chopped carrots or zucchini for added flavor and moisture.
- Spices: Spice up the cake with cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for an added dimension of flavor. A touch of allspice can also serve to enhance the festive spirit of this cake.
Cooking Notes
- This fruit cake can often taste even better after a day or two, as the flavors continue to develop.
- Feel free to substitute different nuts based on your personal preferences; cashews or almonds work beautifully too.
- If you’d like to soak the dried fruits in a bit of rum or orange juice overnight, it will enhance their flavor and moisture.
- To ensure your cake stays moist, consider wrapping it in plastic wrap after cooling and storing it in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy a slice of this fruit cake with a cup of warm spiced tea or coffee.
- Pair it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert treat.
Tips
- Make sure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh to ensure optimal rising.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar; this will add a slight carameliness to the cake.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; slicing the cake while warm can lead to crumbles and uneven slices.
- To achieve a more colorful topping, use a variety of candied fruits to create a vibrant design on your cake.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70-80 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approx. 350 per slice
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 100mg
FAQs
Can I make this fruit cake in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making the cake a few days ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and intensify, enhancing the overall taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container. This will help keep it fresh for a longer time.
What fruits can I use in this recipe?
You can use any combination of dried fruits you prefer, such as raisins, apricots, figs, or cranberries. Get creative with your favorite dried fruits!
Can I freeze the fruit cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it well and it should last for up to three months in the freezer. Just allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Conclusion
This Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a burst of festive flavor, warmth, and nostalgia that brings people together during the holidays. With its vivid colors and rich textures, this cake is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by trying different variations or serving suggestions. We hope you give this recipe a try and create wonderful memories with family and friends. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any variations you tried in the comments below. Happy baking and festive feasting!
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Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake is a delightful celebration of festive flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup dried fruit mix (a mix of cherries, pineapple, apricots, etc.)
- 1/2 cup nuts, chopped (walnuts, pecans, or your favorite nuts)
- 1/4 cup candied cherries, halved
- Optional: Substitute with dried cranberries for a tart twist.
- 1/4 cup green candied cherries, halved
- 1/4 cup red candied cherries, halved
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare your loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light, then add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients with the milk until combined.
- Fold in the dried fruit mix and chopped nuts gently.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan, decorate with candied cherries, and bake for 70-80 minutes.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
This cake is often better after a day or two as flavors develop. Wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it moist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70-80 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approx. 350 per slice
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Protein: 5 g