Sweeten Your Festivities: Time-Honored Holiday Fruit Cake Recipe

Photo byAngie Bright

The holiday season is synonymous with tradition, and no dessert embodies that better than a classic fruit cake. For generations, fruit cake has graced tables during festive celebrations, bringing warmth and nostalgia with every bite. Its rich combination of dried fruits, nuts, and vibrant candied cherries not only looks festive but also captures the essence of the holidays in a single slice.

There’s something about the chewy, sweet fruit pieces mingling with the crunch of nuts that makes fruit cake a timeless holiday favorite. For many, it’s more than just a cake—it's a tradition passed down through families, baked with love and shared with joy.

The Rich Tradition of Fruit Cake

This classic fruit cake recipe balances the flavors of dried fruits and nuts, offering the perfect blend of sweetness and texture. The moist crumb of the cake pairs beautifully with the festive colors of the candied cherries that adorn the top. Each bite brings a delightful combination of tangy fruits and buttery richness, making it a centerpiece for any holiday dessert table.

Unlike some of the heavier, boozy versions of fruit cake that require weeks of soaking in liquor, this version is quick to make and doesn't need aging. Whether it’s a gift for loved ones or a dessert for your holiday feast, this recipe will fill your home with the comforting scents of baking and the holiday spirit.

Recipe: Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup dried fruit mix (cherries, pineapple, apricots, etc.)
• 1/2 cup nuts (walnuts, pecans), chopped
• 1/4 cup candied cherries, halved (red and green)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are well-mixed for an even rise in the cake.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, usually after a few minutes of beating. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each to fully incorporate them. Then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter.
5. Gently fold in the dried fruit mix and chopped nuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Arrange the halved candied cherries on top to give the cake a festive and colorful appearance.
7. Bake for 70-80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

A Cake Full of Holiday Memories

Fruit cake has an enduring appeal during the holidays because it combines tradition with a versatile flavor that pleases any crowd. The sweet and chewy dried fruit, combined with crunchy nuts, offers a balance of flavors that feels comforting and indulgent at the same time. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a cup of tea or coffee, this cake is the perfect way to sweeten your holiday season.

Fruit cake’s beauty also lies in its flexibility. You can customize it by adding your favorite dried fruits and nuts, or even drizzle a bit of icing over the top for an extra touch of sweetness. Regardless of the variations, the core of this holiday dessert remains the same—a celebration of festive flavors and the joy of sharing.

Sources:

1. The Spruce Eats – Traditional Holiday Fruitcake Recipes
2. AllRecipes – Tips and Variations for Fruit Cake
3. Food Network – Classic Fruit Cake Baking Techniques