Description
A festive and rich fruit cake perfect for holiday celebrations, filled with mixed dried fruits and nuts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, and chopped dried apricots)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)
- 1/2 cup candied citrus peel (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit, chopped nuts, and candied citrus peel (if using). Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the fruit and nut mixture until evenly distributed. If using, stir in the brandy or rum.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, soak the dried fruit in brandy or rum overnight before adding it to the batter.
- To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg