Best Mothers Fruitcake Recipes

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WORLD'S BEST FRUIT CAKE



World's Best Fruit Cake image

A traditional moist fruit cake made with rum soaked dried fruit, citrus zest, and candied ginger. The best fruit cake recipe you'll ever make! It turns cynics into converts. This fruit cake recipe yields two (8 x 4-inch) loaf cakes. Wrap in sherry or triple sec soaked cheesecloth for at least a week for best flavor!

Provided by Laura / A Beautiful Plate

Categories     Cakes and Cupcakes

Time P1DT2h

Number Of Ingredients 28

1¼ cups (200 g) dark raisins
1¼ cups (200 g) golden raisins
2 cups (320 g) mixed unsweetened dried fruit, chopped
1 cup (160 g) dried unsweetened black figs (chopped)
1 cup (160 g) dried unsweetened tart cherries (chopped)
¾ cup (120 g) dried unsweetened prunes (chopped)
¾ cup (6 oz; 180 mL) dark rum
1½ cups (180 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
1 stick (4 oz; 115 g) unsalted butter (softened)
¾ cup (160 g) packed light brown sugar
5 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
½ cup (120 mL) freshly squeezed orange juice
1 Granny Smith apple (peeled and coarsely grated)
¾ cup (90 g) slivered almonds (or chopped pecans or walnuts)
3 tablespoons (36 g) finely diced crystallized ginger
one batch soaked fruit mixture (see above)
⅔ cup (100 g) chopped bittersweet chocolate or dark chocolate chips (optional)
medium sherry or triple sec (for soaking)
¼ cup (72 g) apricot preserves
¼ cup (60 mL) water
whole pecans (for garnishing)

Steps:

  • The Day Before Baking: Combine the dried fruit in a large mixing bowl. Add the dark rum, cover, and allow the mixture to soak at room temperature for a minimum of 12 hours, or ideally 24 hours prior to preparing the fruit cake batter.
  • Prepare the Fruitcake: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) with a rack in the center position. Set aside two 8x4-inch All Clad Pro-Release Bakeware Loaf Pans. If using these pans, you do not need to line or grease the pans prior to adding the batter. Equipment Note: This fruitcake can also be prepared using 9x5-inch loaf pans. If using other types of pans, lightly grease and line with parchment paper.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, spices, and salt. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together over medium-high speed for 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to medium and add the eggs one at a time, beating just until each egg is incorporated. The mixture will look slightly broken, that's ok.
  • Over low speed, slowly add the flour mixture until just absorbed. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer. Add the lemon zest, orange zest, fresh orange juice, grated apple, slivered almonds, diced candied ginger, soaked dried fruit mixture (along with any liquid if it hasn't already been absorbed), and chocoate (if using). Stir mixture with a large spatula, scraping the edges and bottom of the bowl several times, until all of the ingredients are evenly incorporated. It is a very thick, fruit heavy mixture.
  • Transfer and divide the batter evenly among the loaf pans. Use an offset spatula to smooth the batter into an even layer. Set the loaf pans on the center rack, several inches apart from one another. Bake - rotating the pans halfway - for 75 to 90 minutes or until the batter is set and the tops are golden brown. The edges of the cake may also start to pull away slightly from the edges of the pan. Remove from the oven and place on a rack to cool completely before removing from the pans.
  • Storing and Aging: Once the cake has cooled, carefully remove the cakes from the loaf pans and set upright. Soak two large pieces of cheesecloth in medium sherry or triple sec (*they should be lightly damp, not soaking wet when you wrap the cakes, so you may need to squeeze out any excess liquor). Wrap each cake tightly. Cover loafs with wax paper and foil before transferring to a large Ziploc bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 to 8 weeks (it can often last even longer). You can serve this cake right after it has cooled, but the flavors improve greatly with time (I recommend several days or up to a week, at minimum). Unwrap and re-soak the cheesecloth once a week.
  • For Garnishing: If desired, you can top the fruitcake with a light apricot glaze and whole pecans before serving. Note: I don't recommend glazing the cake if you wish to continue to wrap and age the fruitcake. To Prepare the Glaze: Combine the apricot preserves and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a light simmer, stirring until the glaze is shiny and thin. If it is too thin for glazing, reduce to desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a teaspoon of water. Brush the tops of the fruitcakes with apricot glaze and garnish with whole pecans.
  • Serving Notes: Slice fruit cake with a serrated knife. Serve on its own or spread with a small amount of salted butter.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 196 kcal, Carbohydrate 36 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 5 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Sodium 58 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 26 g, UnsaturatedFat 2 g

GRANDMA'S MOLASSES FRUITCAKE



Grandma's Molasses Fruitcake image

This dense, dark, moist fruitcake was my grandmother's recipe. The flavor just gets better and better as it sits in the fridge, so be sure to make it ahead! -Debbie Harmon, Lavina, Montana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h40m

Yield 3 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 12

3-1/4 cups dried currants
2-2/3 cups raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
2/3 cup chopped candied citron or candied lemon peel
4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups packed brown sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup molasses
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves
1 cup strong brewed coffee

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300°. Grease and flour three 9x5-in. loaf pans. Line bottoms with waxed paper; grease and flour the paper. Combine currants, raisins, walnuts, candied citron and 1/4 cup flour. Toss to coat; set aside., Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in molasses. In another bowl, whisk baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and remaining flour; add to creamed mixture alternately with coffee. Stir into currant mixture and mix well., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. Wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator for at least 2 days to blend flavors. Slice and bring to room temperature before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 210 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 79mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (28g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

MOM'S FRUITCAKE



Mom's Fruitcake image

Our family has been making this for the past 45 years. Friends and family all love it!

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 1/2 cups butter
4 cups light brown sugar
8 eggs, beaten
10 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
3 tsp. baking powder
2 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
3/4 tsp. nutmeg
3/4 tsp. cloves
2 lb. mixed candied fruit
2 lb. red candied cherries (leave whole)
1/2 lb. candied pineapple (cut into wedges)
1/2 lb. pitted dates (chopped)
1 lb. golden raisins
1/2 lb. currants
2 1/2 lb. walnuts (broken large)
3/4 cup sherry wine

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 250-275 degrees.
  • Batter will make about 15 lbs. Prepare pans according to chart below. Grease and line pans with brown paper, waxed paper, or parchment. Grease again. Cut paper about 1 inch taller than pans. Fill pans a little over half full with batter. If you have room in the oven, put a pan with some hot water in it in the bottom, to keep the cakes moist. Enjoy!
  • Pan sizes and baking chart:
  • 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan: 6 1/2 cups batter, bake for 3 hours
  • 10" tube pan: 2 1/2 quarts batter, bake for 3 hrs 15 mins
  • 1 lb. coffee cans: 3 3/4 cups batter, bake for 3 hrs 15 mins
  • 9 1/4 oz. tuna cans: 1 cup batter, bake for 1 hour 30 mins
  • No.303 (16oz) cans: 1 2/3 cup batter, bake for 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours
  • 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 2-inch mini loaf pans: 3/4 cup batter, bake for 1 hour

LORRIE'S MOTHER'S FRUITCAKE



Lorrie's Mother's Fruitcake image

Provided by Lynda Chernek

Categories     Cake     Fruit     Dessert     Bake     Christmas     Date     Pecan     Walnut     Bon Appétit     New York     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Serves 10

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 2/3 cups chopped pitted dates
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup golden raisins
2 cups sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325° F. Butter and flour 10-inch-diameter angel food or tube pan. Combine first 3 ingredients in large bowl. Add dates, pecans, walnuts and all raisins and toss to coat. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and butter in another large bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add extracts. Add dry ingredients; fold until just combined (batter will resemble cookie dough). Spoon batter into prepared pan. Smooth top. Bake until cake is golden and tester inserted near center comes out clean, about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Cool cake in pan on rack 10 minutes. Using sharp knife, cut around edges of cake to loosen. Turn out cake onto rack; cool completely. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Wrap tightly in plastic.)

NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S FRUITCAKE



Not Your Grandmother's Fruitcake image

Fruit cake gets a bad rap. And normally, rightfully so. Most fruitcakes are best suited as doorstops, or substitutes for dumbbells. The only bicep curl you will do with this recipe is bringing another piece to your mouth. The combination of dried fruits, bourbon and spice results in a delectable cake that also makes a great holiday present.

Provided by Zac Young

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h20m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup dried blueberries
1 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup golden raisin
1/2 cup dried peaches, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup dried strawberries
1 1/4 cups Bourbon
1 cup dark brown sugar (or turbinado sugar)
5 ounces unsalted butter (1 1/4 sticks)
1 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs large eggs
extra Bourbon, for basting
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons Bourbon
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 tablespoon honey

Steps:

  • FOR THE CAKE:.
  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • In a medium pot, cook the dried fruits, bourbon and orange juice just until the fruits are plump - about four to five minutes. There will be some liquid left.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time. On low speed, add the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Add the orange juice bourbon and fruit mixture. Stir to combine.
  • Pour batter into a bundt pan sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake at 350F for about 45 minutes until a tooth pick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Let cool.
  • When cake is completely cooled, seal in an airtight container. Every two to three days, feel the cake and if dry, brush with more bourbon. Continue to baste for two weeks for maximum flavor, or eat whenever you want.
  • FOR THE GLAZE:.
  • Mix all glaze ingredients together and drizzle over the top of the cake.
  • OPTIONAL:.
  • Feel Free to use any and all dried fruits in this: chopped dried peaches, dried apples, dried pears, dates - if it's dried, it will work!
  • For a chocolatey twist, add ¾ cup chopped semisweet chocolate to the batter.
  • Get nutty: add pecans or hazelnuts to the batter or the top of the cake for a nutty, crunchy variation.
  • Garnish the top of the cake in festive holiday style. Dried fruit slices, cinnamon sticks, red and green cherries are all seasonally appropriate.
  • Traditionally, fruitcake is boozy, but feel free to use apple cider in place of the bourbon.
  • I like to use a bundt pan for this but you can use a loaf pan, a 9-inch cake pan or even make fruit cake cupcakes!

NOT YOUR MOTHER'S FRUITCAKE



Not Your Mother's Fruitcake image

I came up with this recipe because I didn't like candied fruit in my fruitcake. This a very moist cake and is a favorite of my elderly aunts. If making for adults only you can add 1/2 cup of rum to the recipe when mixing or baste over loafs as they cool.

Provided by MaryAnn Whitbeck @madmaw

Categories     Cakes

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 package(s) yellow cake mix
1 can(s) sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup(s) pineapple juice
1/3 cup(s) canola oil
3 - eggs
1 can(s) pineapple chunk, drained
1 jar(s) maraschino cherries, drained
1 cup(s) pecans, halves
1 cup(s) dates, chopped

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients except the fruits and nuts in a large bowl. Beat on low for 1 minute to combine the ingredients. Then beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  • Fold in fruit and nuts. Pour into greased floured loaf pans (3).
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Allow to cool in pans for 20-30 minutes, then turn out on a wir rack and cool completely.

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