There’s something special about a fruitcake that brings the warmth of the holidays into your home. This classic holiday fruitcake is filled with a delightful mix of nuts and dried fruits, creating a sweet and satisfying treat that’s both festive and comforting. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this recipe has stood the test of time.

Whether you’re a longtime fruitcake fan or trying it for the first time, you’ll find that this cake is a beautiful blend of flavors and textures. The rich, moist cake is studded with plump raisins, sweet candied fruits, and crunchy nuts, making each slice a memorable one. It’s a delightful way to celebrate the season!

This fruitcake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can make it ahead of time and let it age, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve it plain, or enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of icing for that extra touch of indulgence.

The Visual Appeal of Holiday Fruitcake

A holiday fruitcake isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes too. The rich colors of candied fruits and nuts create a vibrant display, making it an alluring centerpiece for any festive gathering. When glazed to perfection, the cake gleams invitingly, promising a delightful experience in every slice.

Creating the Perfect Glaze

The glossy glaze on a fruitcake adds a touch of elegance to its appearance.

Made with simple ingredients, this glaze enhances the cake’s beauty while providing a sweet finish.

It beautifully highlights the colorful chunks of fruit and nuts, making the cake even more mouthwatering.

The Atmosphere of Festivity

Placing the fruitcake on a festive table setting elevates the holiday spirit.

Twinkling lights in the background create a warm and inviting environment, perfect for celebrations.

Surrounded by seasonal decorations, the fruitcake becomes a symbol of togetherness and joy.

Flavors and Textures Combined

The combination of textures in a fruitcake is remarkable.

From the chewy dried fruits to the crunch of nuts, each bite offers a delightful contrast.

This harmonious blend of flavors brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia to the season.

Perfect for Sharing and Gifting

Holiday fruitcake is an ideal treat for sharing with loved ones.

Its rich taste and festive appearance make it a thoughtful gift during the holidays.

Wrapped in decorative paper or placed in a beautiful box, it conveys warm wishes and festive cheer.

Storing and Aging for Maximum Flavor

One of the unique aspects of fruitcake is its ability to improve with age.

Stored properly, it can develop deeper flavors over time.

This characteristic makes it possible to prepare the cake ahead of the celebrations, ensuring you have a delightful dessert ready to serve.

The Perfect Holiday Fruitcake Recipe

This holiday fruitcake is rich, dense, and packed with a variety of nuts and dried fruits. It has a delightful sweetness balanced with the nuttiness of almonds and walnuts, alongside the tartness of cranberries and the chewiness of dates. It’s a treat that embodies the spirit of the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped dates)
• 1/2 cup candied citrus peel
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup whiskey or brandy (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Prepare the Fruit and Nuts: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped nuts and dried fruits. Toss with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.
3. Mix the Batter: In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, oil, vanilla, and whiskey/brandy until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold the coated nuts and fruits into the batter until evenly distributed.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve, or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest for a day for enhanced flavor.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories: 250kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 32g

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Looking for more delicious ideas to try this season? Don’t miss our list of 10 winter treats to bake with your family! Check it out here and get inspired!