There’s something truly special about baking a traditional holiday fruit cake. The aroma of dried fruits and spices fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that signals the start of the festive season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe for the best traditional holiday fruit cake is sure to become a family favorite. It’s moist, flavorful, and packed with a delightful mix of dried fruits and nuts that will make your taste buds sing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors from the dried fruits and nuts
- Moist and tender texture that stays fresh for weeks
- Customizable with your favorite fruits and nuts
- Great make-ahead option for busy holiday schedules
- Beautiful presentation that’s perfect for gifting
Ingredients
To make this traditional holiday fruit cake, you’ll need the following 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 (a mix of cherries, pineapple, apricots, etc.)
- 1/2 cup nuts, chopped (walnuts, pecans, or your favorite nuts)
- 1/4 cup candied cherries, halved
- 1/4 cup green candied cherries, halved
- 1/4 cup red candied cherries, halved
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious traditional holiday fruit cake:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 10-inch tube pan or a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
- Add fruits and nuts: Stir in the dried fruit mix, chopped nuts, and candied cherries. Make sure everything is well incorporated.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some tips to ensure your traditional holiday fruit cake turns out perfectly:
- Soak the dried fruits: For an extra moist cake, soak the dried fruits in a little rum or orange juice for a few hours before adding them to the batter.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your cake will depend on the quality of your ingredients, so choose the best dried fruits and nuts you can find.
- Wrap it well: Once the cake is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
How to Serve
This traditional holiday fruit cake is versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Slice and serve: Cut the cake into thin slices and serve as is, or with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
- Add a glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Pair with cheese: Serve with a slice of cheese, like cheddar or brie, for a classic combination.
- Make it a gift: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake nicely and give it as a holiday gift to friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
This fruit cake is a great make-ahead option for the holidays:
- Make ahead: The cake can be baked up to 2 months in advance. Wrap it tightly and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
With this recipe, you’ll have a delicious and moist traditional holiday fruit cake that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or gifting it to loved ones, this cake is a true festive delight. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the warmth and joy of the holiday season!
Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake Recipe - Festive Delight
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 cup dried fruit mix a mix of cherries, pineapple, apricots, etc.
- 0.5 cup nuts, chopped walnuts, pecans, or your favorite nuts
- 0.25 cup candied cherries, halved Optional: Substitute with dried cranberries for a tart twist.
- 0.25 cup green candied cherries, halved
- 0.25 cup red candied cherries, halved
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan or Bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and milk.
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
