Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake Recipe: A Festive Classic

Nothing brings the holidays to life quite like the aroma of a freshly baked fruit cake wafting through your home. This Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake Recipe is packed with dried fruits, candied cherries, and crunchy nuts, creating a sweet and festive treat that’s perfect for celebrations. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just for yourself, this recipe captures the essence of the season in every slice.

Why You’ll Love This Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake

Imagine biting into a moist, flavorful cake filled with the vibrant sweetness of dried fruits and the satisfying crunch of nuts. This fruit cake isn’t just delicious—it’s a tradition. Perfect as a gift, a dessert centerpiece, or a comforting snack with tea or coffee, it’s a versatile addition to your holiday repertoire.

Ingredients for Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delightful holiday treat:

Dry Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
All-Purpose Flour	2 cups	Forms the structure of the cake
Baking Powder	1 tsp	Helps the cake rise
Salt	½ tsp	Balances the sweetness

Wet Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Unsalted Butter (softened)	½ cup	Adds richness and moisture
Granulated Sugar	1 cup	Sweetens the cake
Large Eggs	3	Provides structure and binds the ingredients
Vanilla Extract	1 tsp	Enhances the flavor
Milk	½ cup	Keeps the cake tender and moist

Fruits and Nuts

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Dried Fruit Mix	1 cup	Adds natural sweetness and texture
Chopped Nuts (walnuts, pecans)	½ cup	Provides a satisfying crunch
Candied Red Cherries	¼ cup	Adds vibrant color and flavor
Candied Green Cherries	¼ cup	Complements the red cherries visually

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, preventing uneven rising.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a tender, moist cake.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant, warm undertone.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter.

6. Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Using a spatula, carefully fold in the dried fruit mix and chopped nuts. Ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistent flavor in every bite.

7. Pour and Decorate

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Arrange the red and green candied cherries on top in a festive pattern to create a visually stunning presentation.

8. Bake the Cake

Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown with a slightly domed top.

9. Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, slice and serve your fruit cake to delighted guests.

Tips for a Perfect Holiday Fruit Cake

1. Prevent Fruit from Sinking: Toss the dried fruits and nuts in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smoother batter and even baking.
3. Adjust Sweetness: For a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar to ¾ cup.
4. Storage: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to a week. The flavors intensify over time!
5. Glaze Option: Brush the cooled cake with a light syrup or rum for added moisture and flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	280
Total Fat	12g
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	40g
Sugars	25g

FAQs About Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake

1. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it includes xanthan gum for structure.

2. How do I store leftover fruit cake?

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.

3. What can I use instead of candied cherries?

You can replace candied cherries with dried cranberries or raisins for a tart twist.

4. Can I make this cake alcohol-infused?

Absolutely! Soak the dried fruits in rum, brandy, or whiskey overnight before adding them to the batter.

5. How do I keep the cake moist?

Store the cake in an airtight container and wrap it in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

6. Can I bake this in a different pan?

Yes! You can use a bundt pan, round cake pan, or mini loaf pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion: Celebrate the Holidays with Every Bite

This Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake Recipe is a timeless treat that’s sure to bring warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings. Packed with vibrant fruits, crunchy nuts, and festive colors, it’s a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Ready to bake a holiday classic? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the delightful aroma of fruit cake filling your home. Happy baking!

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