This Never-Fail Old Fashioned Fruit Cake is the perfect holiday treat, packed with a delightful blend of mixed dried fruits, spices, and rich, moist flavor. The cake is infused with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a deeply aromatic and comforting dessert. With the addition of soaked fruits and optional nuts, this cake brings both tradition and taste to your holiday table. Whether you make it for Christmas, a special occasion, or just because, this fruit cake is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
What makes this fruit cake so special is its moist, tender texture and the way the fruit and spices meld together. Soaked in juice (or even rum for extra richness), the dried fruits create pockets of sweetness throughout the cake. The long, slow bake ensures the flavors have time to develop, resulting in a cake that’s not only delicious but also has a perfect texture. Let’s get started on this classic fruit cake that will fill your home with holiday cheer!
Ingredients
- Dry & Spices:
- 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp (4g) baking powder
- 1 tsp (3g) ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp (2g) ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp (1g) ground cloves
- ¼ tsp (1g) salt
- Fruits (soaked for 30 minutes or overnight):
- 2½ cups (400g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants, cherries, mixed peel)
- ½ cup (120ml) orange juice or apple juice (or soak in rum/brandy for extra richness)
- Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ tsp (7ml) vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp (20g) molasses or dark honey (optional but gives deep color)
- Nuts (optional but traditional):
- ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or almonds
