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The Ultimate Holiday Fruitcake Recipe - Festive & Delicious

The Ultimate Holiday Fruitcake Recipe - Festive & Irresistibly Delicious

The Ultimate Holiday Fruitcake Recipe brings together sweet dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and aromatic spices for a festive and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fruitcake Base
  • 2 cups Dried Mixed Fruits A combination of raisins, apricots, and cranberries.
  • 1 cup Nuts Choose walnuts or pecans.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Essential for structure.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder Ensures the cake rises beautifully.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Spices (Cinnamon and Nutmeg) Fresh spices offer maximum aroma.
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Melted before blending.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar White sugar adds sweetness.
  • 3 large Eggs Acts as a binding agent.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Enhances overall flavor.
For Optional Decorations
  • 1/4 cup Spiced Rum Glaze Drizzle atop cooled cake.
  • 1/2 cup Candied Ginger Adds a spicy zing.

Equipment

  • Loaf pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and prepare a greased loaf pan lined with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream melted butter with granulated sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
  5. Carefully fold in dried mixed fruits and nuts until evenly distributed.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Optional Decoration
  1. Drizzle with spiced rum glaze once cooled for a festive touch.

Notes

Soak dried fruits and nuts in rum or juice for enhanced flavor. Avoid overmixing for a delightful texture. Use fresh spices for best aroma. Wrap the fruitcake tightly for storage.