Here’s a revised recipe without alcohol:
Traditional Fruitcake 🍰
This rich and fruity cake is a holiday classic, packed with dried fruits, spices, and zesty citrus flavors. Perfect for sharing with loved ones during the festive season, this version is completely.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup mixed candied peel
- 1 cup glace cherries, halved
- ¼ cup chopped almonds (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup orange juice or apple cider (for flavor and moisture)
For Decorating (Optional):
- Marzipan or fondant icing
- Royal icing
- Edible decorations
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Zest: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the orange and lemon zest.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until fully combined.
3. Add Fruits and Juice:
- Mix Fruits: Stir in the mixed dried fruits, cranberries, candied peel, glace cherries, and chopped almonds (if using). Add the orange juice (or apple cider) and mix everything well.
4. Bake the Cake:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
- Bake for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Cover the top loosely with foil during the last hour if it browns too quickly.
5. Cool and Store:
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin before removing.
- Wrap in parchment paper and foil, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
6. Optional Decoration:
- Cover with marzipan or fondant icing, followed by royal icing, and decorate as desired with festive accents like edible holly leaves or sprinkles.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 ½ – 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 12-16 slices
Tips:
- Replace orange juice with apple juice or milk for a different flavor.
- For added moisture, brush the cake weekly with more orange juice or apple cider if storing it long-term.
- Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent holiday treat.
Enjoy this festive delight!