Description
This classic Christmas fruitcake recipe combines mixed dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices for a rich, flavorful holiday treat. Enhanced with orange juice and brandy, this moist fruitcake is perfect for festive celebrations and unforgettable gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruitcake Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brandy
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure an even baking temperature for the fruitcake.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate air and create a smooth batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to blend without overmixing, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Add fruits and liquor: Fold in the mixed dried fruits, chopped nuts, orange juice, and brandy to infuse the cake with flavor and moisture.
- Prepare the pan and pour batter: Grease a cake pan thoroughly, then pour the batter evenly into the pan, smoothing the surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool before serving: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving to enhance the flavors and texture.
Notes
- Use a variety of dried fruits like raisins, currants, cherries, and apricots for best texture and flavor.
- Chop nuts evenly to distribute crunch throughout the cake.
- Brandy can be substituted with rum or orange liqueur for different flavor profiles.
- Wrap the cooled fruitcake in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
- For enhanced taste, age the fruitcake for a few days allowing flavors to meld.
- If desired, brush additional brandy over the cake before wrapping for extra moistness and richness.
- Ensure to grease the pan well or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas fruitcake, holiday dessert, dried fruit cake, spiced cake, baked fruitcake, festive cake recipe
