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Grandma’s Fruit Cake

Grandma’s Fruit Cake: A Cozy Make-Ahead Holiday Treasure

Indulge in Grandma’s Fruit Cake, a charming holiday classic filled with rich textures and vibrant dried fruits, perfect for celebrations and gift-giving.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time 1 day
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Batter
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Provides moisture and richness; for a dairy-free option, swap in plant-based butter.
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar Adds sweetness and depth; stick with this for the best flavor.
  • 4 Eggs Ensure they're at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour blend can be used as a substitute, though texture may vary.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Serves as a leavening agent; baking soda can be a substitute if necessary.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Infuses warm spice notes; consider pumpkin spice for a unique flavor twist.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Complements the cinnamon beautifully for that holiday spice profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances overall flavor; it's essential for depth.
For the Fruit Mixture
  • 3 cups Mixed Dried Fruits Feel free to use your favorite blend of raisins, cranberries, dates, and cherries. Adjust according to your preferences, ensuring all selections are dried.
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts Adds a delightful crunch; you can omit if there are nut allergies.
  • 1/2 cup Dark Rum or Orange Juice Soaks fruits and contributes moisture; orange juice is a fantastic non-alcoholic alternative.

Equipment

  • 9-inch loaf pan
  • large mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • whisk
  • stand mixer or hand mixer
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-By-Step Instructions
  1. Soak the mixed dried fruits in dark rum or orange juice for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and prepare your baking pan.
  3. Cream together unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  6. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
  7. Fold in soaked fruits and optional nuts until evenly distributed.
  8. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, checking for doneness at 75 minutes.
  10. Cool the cake in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Wrap cooled cake tightly in parchment paper and aluminum foil, and rest for at least 24 hours before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Customize with different dried fruits and spices to make the recipe your own. Allow soaking and resting times for the best flavor.

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