As a seasoned food blogger, I’m thrilled to share a timeless gem with you – the Old Fashioned Fruitcake Recipe. This holiday classic is a delightful blend of candied fruit, crunchy nuts, and a generous splash of brandy, making it a must-have for Christmas traditions. Imagine the rich aroma of brandy infusing the cake as it bakes to perfection, ready to grace your festive table.
Crafted from an old family recipe, this fruitcake is a sweet symphony of dates, candied cherries, pineapple, and pecans, creating a confection that’s more candy than cake. The best part? You don’t have to wait for it to mature; it’s delicious the very same day. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe yields two decadent loaves, ensuring there’s plenty to share and savor during the holiday season.
So, dust off that bottle of brandy, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a culinary journey to create a moist, sticky, and utterly irresistible Old Fashioned Fruitcake that’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Fruit Cake
To make the delicious Old Fashioned Fruit Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 112 pounds (about 3 cups) mixed diced candied fruit (dates, dried cherries, candied pineapple, etc.)
- 2 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 15-ounce package golden raisins
- 1/2 cup brandy for soaking the fruit
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fine dry breadcrumbs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup additional butter, softened
- 2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup brewed coffee
- 2 cups additional brandy for sprinkling
- Additional whole pecans, candied fruit, etc. for decorating
Ensure you have all these ingredients ready before you start making this delightful Old Fashioned Fruit Cake.
Equipment Needed
List of Tools
- 10-inch tube pan (or 2 loaf pans as an alternative)
- Parchment paper
- Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
- Large baking dish or roasting pan
- Cake tester
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- If you don’t have a 10-inch tube pan, you can use 2 loaf pans lined with parchment paper.
- A stand mixer can be substituted with a hand mixer for creaming butter and sugar.
- Any type of dried fruit can be used as an alternative to mixed diced candied fruit depending on preference.
- Instead of brandy, you can use rum or apple juice for soaking the fruit.
- If you prefer not to use pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used as a substitute.
- Different spices like cloves or ginger can be used in place of or in addition to cinnamon and nutmeg for a unique flavor profile.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Fruit Mix
To kick off this delicious Old Fashioned Fruit Cake recipe, start by preparing the fruit mix. Combine the mixed diced candied fruit, chopped pecans, golden raisins, and brandy for soaking in a large bowl. Ensure all the fruits and nuts are well-coated for that perfect flavor explosion in every bite.
Making the Cake Batter
Next, let’s focus on creating the scrumptious cake batter. Beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in the eggs, brewed coffee, and additional brandy for that extra kick of flavor. Sift and incorporate the dry ingredients, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder, before mixing in the fruit and nut mixture for a delightful texture.
Baking the Fruit Cake
Baking the perfect fruit cake is a delightful process that results in a moist and flavorful holiday treat. Follow these step-by-step instructions and useful tips to ensure your old-fashioned fruit cake turns out just right.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Spray and line a 10-inch tube pan with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for easy removal. You can also use 2 loaf pans lined with parchment paper if needed.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven temperature to 275°F. Opt for the convection setting for a beautifully golden top and quicker baking time.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the chopped pecans, pineapple, cherries, and golden raisins. Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Prepare the Batter: Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer or by hand until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the brandy for that extra depth of flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredient-nut mixture into the batter until well incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake the Cake: Fill a large baking dish or roasting pan with hot water and place it below the cake in the oven. Bake for approximately 2 hours or until a cake tester comes out clean. The top should be set, but the cake is not fully done at this point.
- Water Bath Method: Placing a dish of hot water in the oven below the cake helps maintain moisture and ensures even baking without the top drying out.
- Convection Setting: Opting for the convection setting can result in a beautifully browned top and a quicker bake time. Monitor the cake closely to prevent over-baking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a cake tester or toothpick to check if the cake is fully baked. It should come out clean with no wet batter remaining.
- Rotate the Pan: If baking multiple cakes or using a conventional oven, rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Cooling Process: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before removing to avoid any breakage. Once cooled, you can wrap the cake in plastic wrap and store it appropriately based on your preference.
How to Store Fruit Cake
Fruit cake can be stored in a way that keeps it fresh and flavorful for an extended period. Here are some tips on storing your Old Fashioned Fruit Cake to enjoy it at its best.
Short-Term Storage Tips
If you plan to consume your fruit cake within a few days or weeks, here are some short-term storage tips to maintain its taste and texture:
- Wrap the fruit cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Store the wrapped fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Check the cake periodically for any signs of dryness, and if needed, brush it with additional brandy or apple cider to keep it moist.
Long-Term Preservation
For more extended storage periods, follow these steps to ensure your fruit cake stays delicious:
- If your fruit cake has been soaked in alcohol, store it well-wrapped at room temperature for up to six months.
- Resoak the cake with brandy or apple cider every month to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Once done soaking, store the fruit cake well-wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
- For even longer storage, you can freeze the fruit cake; make sure it is tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
By following these short-term and long-term storage tips, you can preserve the rich flavors and moist texture of your Old Fashioned Fruit Cake for an extended period, allowing you to enjoy this holiday treat whenever you desire.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
Alcohol-Infused Versions
For a twist on the traditional recipe, consider experimenting with different alcohol options to infuse your fruitcake with unique flavors. Swap the brandy for rum or bourbon for a richer taste or try adding a splash of amaretto for a hint of almond essence. These variations can elevate your fruitcake and cater to different preferences.
Nut-Free Alternatives
Those with nut allergies can still enjoy a delicious fruitcake by simply omitting the nuts from the recipe. Replace the nuts with an equal amount of dried fruit or seeds for added texture and flavor. This nut-free version ensures that everyone can savor this holiday classic without any concerns about allergies.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration of Old Fashioned Fruitcake Recipes, it’s clear that this timeless treat offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures perfect for any occasion. By incorporating creative twists like alternative alcohol choices and nut-free options, there’s a fruitcake variation to suit every palate. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes provide a simple yet delicious way to add a touch of tradition to your festivities. So, don’t hesitate to try out these recipes and share the joy of homemade fruitcake with your loved ones. Happy baking!