Homemade Fruit Cake

The Perfect Holiday Treat, Year-Round

Ah, Homemade Fruit Cake – don’t roll your eyes! Trust me, this version is nothing like the dense, overly-sweet, hard-as-a-rock fruit cakes you may be thinking of. This fruit cake is moist, flavorful, and packed with a blend of dried fruits, nuts, and just the right touch of spice. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and a bit of warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg. The best part? The longer it sits, the better it gets, which means it’s ideal for making ahead of time (hello, holiday prep!). Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at a festive gathering or just indulge in a slice of something comforting, this fruit cake is about to become your go-to treat for every occasion. You might even find yourself craving it outside of the holiday season!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Fruit Cake

Moist and Flavorful: This fruit cake is anything but dry. Thanks to the mix of fruit, nuts, and a touch of rum or brandy, every bite is packed with flavor.
Make Ahead Magic: Like many of the best holiday treats, this cake improves with time. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert, so you can bake it in advance and let it sit for weeks, developing even more flavor.
Customizable: You can swap in your favorite dried fruits or nuts depending on what you like. Add more citrus zest or even some chocolate for a personal twist.
Classic Yet Modern: This fruit cake brings that old-school charm, but with a modern touch that will make even fruit cake skeptics turn into fans.
Gift-Worthy: Wrapped up in a festive tin or decorative box, this fruit cake makes an excellent homemade gift. Who doesn’t love receiving something made with love?

Ingredients in Homemade Fruit Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious, crowd-pleasing fruit cake:

Dried Fruit (Raisins, Currants, Cherries, Apricots)

These give the cake its natural sweetness and juicy texture. You can mix and match based on your favorites.

Mixed Nuts (Walnuts, Pecans, Almonds)

Chopped nuts add a lovely crunch and richness, balancing the sweetness of the fruit.

Butter

Butter is the key to that rich, moist crumb. It brings all the flavors together beautifully.

Brown Sugar

For that deep caramel flavor that gives the cake its sweetness and richness.

Eggs

Eggs help bind everything together and provide structure, making the cake light yet dense.

All-Purpose Flour

Flour gives the fruit cake body. It’s the base that holds all the juicy fruit and nuts in place.

Baking Powder

A touch of baking powder ensures your fruit cake rises to the perfect height.

Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg

These warm spices are what truly bring the holiday vibes. They complement the sweetness of the fruit and nuts, adding depth of flavor.

Salt

A pinch of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.

Rum or Brandy

This is the secret ingredient that adds flavor and moisture. Plus, it helps preserve the cake if you’re planning to keep it for a while.

Zest of Orange or Lemon

The citrus zest brightens up the rich flavors of the fruit cake, giving it a fresh lift.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line a cake pan with parchment paper so the fruit cake comes out easily after baking. Chop your dried fruits and nuts into bite-sized pieces, and set them aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This will give your fruit cake that soft, tender texture.

Add Eggs and Spices

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. The warm spices will start to fill your kitchen with that cozy, holiday scent!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently until combined.

Fold in the Fruit, Nuts, and Citrus

Fold the chopped dried fruits, nuts, and citrus zest into the batter. Make sure everything is evenly distributed, so every bite of the cake has a little bit of everything.

Add the Liquor

Stir in the rum or brandy. The alcohol not only adds flavor, but it also helps keep the fruit cake moist as it ages.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake will be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch when it’s ready.

Cool and Age

Allow the fruit cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. For the best flavor, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and let it sit for at least a few days (the longer, the better!). If you’d like, you can occasionally brush the cake with a little extra rum or brandy to keep it moist.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the cake has aged, it’s time to slice and enjoy! Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee, and maybe a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes

How to Serve Homemade Fruit Cake

• With Tea or Coffee: This cake is perfect for an afternoon tea or coffee break. Its sweetness pairs beautifully with a hot cup of your favorite beverage.
• With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For a little indulgence, serve a slice of fruit cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
• As a Gift: Wrap it up in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift. Who wouldn’t love receiving this delicious treat?
• As a Breakfast or Snack: A slice of fruit cake is the perfect breakfast with your morning coffee or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. It’s like enjoying a little piece of the holidays all year round.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: This fruit cake gets better with age, so feel free to make it a few weeks ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container, and brush it with more rum or brandy as needed.
• Storage Tips: Store the fruit cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil in a cool, dry place for up to a month.
• Freezing Option: You can freeze the fruit cake for up to three months. Wrap it tightly and thaw it at room temperature before serving.
• Fruit Variations: Feel free to swap in your favorite dried fruits, like mango, pineapple, or cranberries, to make it your own.
• Spice Variations: Add a bit of ground ginger or cloves for extra depth of flavor. Adjust the spices to match your preferences.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
A1: It’s best to stick with dried fruit for this recipe, as fresh fruit has too much moisture and may affect the texture of the cake. Dried fruit gives the cake its dense, chewy texture.

Q2: Can I make this fruit cake alcohol-free?
A2: Absolutely! You can substitute the rum or brandy with orange juice, apple juice, or a bit of water. The cake will still be delicious, just without the boozy kick.

Q3: How long should I age the fruit cake?
A3: While you can eat it right after it cools, the flavor really improves after a few days. For the best flavor, age the cake for 1-2 weeks before serving.

Q4: How do I store the fruit cake?
A4: Store the fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I add alcohol to the fruit cake after baking?
A5: Yes! If you like, you can brush the cake with a little more rum or brandy after it has cooled. This helps preserve the cake and adds even more flavor.

Q6: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A6: Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and the texture will still turn out great.

Q7: How can I make this fruit cake more festive?
A7: Try adding a handful of chopped dark chocolate or a few candied fruits for a more colorful, decadent version.

In Conclusion

This Homemade Fruit Cake is far from the fruitcake of your past. It’s moist, flavorful, and packed with all the goodness of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. Perfect for any occasion, from the holidays to special gatherings, it’s a treat that gets better with age. So why not bake one today and start a new tradition?

Print