Nothing says the holidays quite like a traditional fruit cake. Packed with a delightful mix of dried fruits, nuts, and colorful candied cherries, this cake is rich in flavor and perfect for celebrating the festive season. The recipe has been passed down through generations, making it a cherished treat for family gatherings. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with a cup of tea, this fruit cake is sure to bring warmth and joy to your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This traditional holiday fruit cake combines the sweetness of dried fruits and candied cherries with the crunch of walnuts and pecans, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s simple to make and holds well, allowing the flavors to develop even further over time. Perfect for gifting or as a centerpiece for your holiday spread, this cake is a timeless classic that everyone will enjoy.

The Recipe

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
1/4 cup green candied cherries, halved
1/4 cup red candied cherries, halved

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Mix in the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Fold in the fruits and nuts: Gently fold in the dried fruit mix, chopped nuts, and halved candied cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving: This fruit cake is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For an extra holiday touch, drizzle it with a simple glaze or serve with whipped cream.
Storage: Wrap the fruit cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. The flavors intensify as it sits, so it tastes even better after a day or two!

Helpful Notes

For a boozy version, you can soak the dried fruit mix in rum or brandy overnight before adding it to the cake batter.
If you prefer a softer texture, substitute half of the butter with vegetable oil for extra moisture.
Feel free to swap out the dried fruits or nuts with your favorites for a more personalized fruit cake.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze fruit cake?
Yes! Wrap the fruit cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

2. Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
It’s best to use dried fruit for this recipe since fresh fruit contains more moisture and could affect the texture of the cake.

3. How can I prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the cake?
To avoid sinking, lightly coat the dried fruit and nuts in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the longer it sits, so feel free to make it a day or two ahead of time.

5. Can I add alcohol to the cake?
Yes! For a traditional holiday twist, you can soak the cake in rum or brandy after baking. Simply brush the cake with the alcohol and allow it to absorb before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake is a delicious, festive treat that’s packed with fruity goodness and holiday cheer. Whether you’re making it for a party, as a gift, or just to enjoy with your family, this cake is sure to bring smiles and create lasting memories. It’s a must-bake during the holiday season, and with its combination of dried fruits, nuts, and candied cherries, it’s a cake that truly captures the spirit of the season!