Description
This Best Fruit Cake Ever recipe is a rich, moist, and classic dessert perfect for holidays or special occasions. Bursting with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, it delivers timeless flavor in every bite. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy a cake that gets even better with time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, chopped apricots)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- 1/4 cup rum (optional, for soaking)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in molasses and orange juice until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in pre-soaked dried fruits and chopped nuts.
- Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth the top.
- Bake for 70-80 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Brush cooled cake with rum for added moisture and flavor.
Notes
- Substitute rum with apple juice for an alcohol-free version.
- Experiment with different dried fruits or nuts for a personalized touch.
- Brush the cake with additional liquid post-baking to enhance moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
