Description

This Moist Fruitcake is rich, tender, and packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. Perfect for the holidays, it’s baked to perfection and stays moist with a delightful balance of sweetness and depth of flavor. Serve it during Christmas gatherings, afternoon tea, or as a festive homemade gift.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soaked Fruits

2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, figs, or apricots)
½ cup candied cherries (halved)
½ cup candied pineapple or mixed peel
1 cup dark rum, brandy, or orange juice (for soaking)

For the Cake Batter

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
4 large eggs (room temperature)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ginger
Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
¼ cup molasses or golden syrup

For Nuts (Optional but Recommended)

1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds

For Moisture Boost (Optional Enhancements)

½ cup orange syrup (for brushing after baking)
Cheesecloth and extra brandy/rum (for wrapping and aging, if desired)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Fruit

Place your chosen dried fruits in a bowl.
Pour over enough liquid (rum, brandy, or juice) to cover the fruits completely.
Cover and let soak for at least 12–24 hours. For quicker methods, simmer the fruit gently with sugar and spices until plump.

Step 2: Making the Batter

Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, adding spices and zest.
Fold in flour gradually.
Add soaked fruits and chopped nuts, mixing until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Baking the Cake

Preheat oven to a low 275–300°F (135–150°C).
Line a loaf pan or round cake tin with parchment.
Spoon batter evenly into pan.
Bake slowly, often 1.5–2 hours, checking with a skewer for doneness.

Prep Time: PT25M
Cook Time: PT1H15M
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: European

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 320kcal
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 55g