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Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake

Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake

This Old-Fashioned Fruit Cake is a rich, moist dessert filled with dried fruits and nuts, subtly spiced and enhanced with orange juice and a touch of brandy or rum. Perfect for holidays and celebrations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 2 cups mixed dried fruits
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup brandy or rum optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Chop dried fruits and nuts into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition.
  5. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl.
  6. Gradually mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients, alternating with orange juice. Fold in dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 60–75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing.

Notes

For extra flavor, soak dried fruits in brandy or orange juice overnight before mixing into the batter. This will enhance moisture and depth of taste.