Ah, the warmth of the holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to embrace it than with a slice (or two!) of this scrumptious Best German Fruit Cake? This traditional dessert is a staple in many German households, and today, I’m thrilled to share this easy-to-follow recipe with you. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this fruit cake is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s perfect for those quick family dinners or as a centerpiece for your holiday table. Speaking of quick family dinners, have you tried my easy pasta recipes? They’re a lifesaver for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion
- Packed with delicious candied fruits and spices
- Easy to make and feeds a crowd
- A great make-ahead dessert
- Customizable to your taste preferences
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this authentic German Fruit Cake:
- 2 lbs candied mixed fruit
- 1/2 lb red candied cherries
- 1/2 lb green candied cherries
- 1 can crushed pineapple, well drained (20oz)
- 15.5 oz unsweetened apple sauce
- 3 tsp baking soda, mixed into the applesauce
- 1 box seedless raisins (12oz)
- 1/2 lb walnut meats
- 2 tsp allspice
- 2 tsp nutmeg
- 3 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 eggs
- 3 c sugar
- 2 sticks butter
- 4 c all-purpose flour
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process:
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.
- Cream the butter with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy.
- Add the sugar and cream well until fully incorporated.
- Add the spices and salt, mixing until combined.
- Add the eggs and beat well to create a smooth batter.
- Add the fruits, alternating with flour. The mixture will become very thick, so be prepared to switch to a heavy-duty wooden spoon.
- Stir in the applesauce until well combined.
- Line a tube pan or large bundt pan with wax paper.
- Fill the pan 1/2 to 3/4 full with the batter.
- Bake for around 3 hours, checking regularly around the 2 1/2 hour mark with a toothpick. When the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Let the cake cool until you can carefully unmold it.
- *Optional: The original recipe calls for cherries and pineapple rings to be placed on top of the cake once it comes out of the oven. My mother-in-law doesn’t do this, but feel free to get creative!
- This recipe makes about 2 cakes! We baked 1 large bundt cake and 1 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 loaf pan with this recipe.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some tips to ensure your German Fruit Cake turns out perfectly:
- Use high-quality candied fruits for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour, as it can make the cake dense.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the walnuts or substitute them with additional raisins.
- For an extra moist cake, brush the top with a little rum or brandy after it cools.
How to Serve
There are so many ways to enjoy this fruit cake:
- Serve it as is, sliced thin for a sweet treat.
- Dust it with powdered sugar for a elegant presentation.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon.
- Use it as a base for a fruit platter, adding fresh fruits like strawberries or grapes.
- Wrap slices individually and give them as holiday gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
This fruit cake is a great make-ahead dessert:
- It can be baked up to 2 weeks in advance.
- Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 10 days.
- For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
And there you have it, my friend! A delicious, authentic German Fruit Cake that’s perfect for the holidays. Whether you’re looking for a traditional fruitcake or something new to add to your Christmas menu, this recipe is sure to impress. If you’re looking for more fruitcake inspiration, check out my guide on How to Make the Best Traditional Holiday Fruit Cake or How to Make a Delicious Five-Minute Fruit and Nut Cake. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media!
German Fruit Cake | Holiday Fruit Cake
Ingredients
- 2 lbs candied mixed fruit
- 1/2 lb red candied cherries
- 1/2 lb green candied cherries
- 20 oz crushed pineapple, well drained
- 15.5 oz unsweetened apple sauce with 3 tsp baking soda mixed in
- 12 oz seedless raisins
- 1/2 lb walnut meats
- 2 tsp allspice
- 2 tsp nutmeg
- 3 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 eggs
- 3 c sugar
- 2 sticks butter
- 4 c all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Cream butter with electric mixer, add sugar, and cream well.
- Add spices, salt, and eggs, beating well.
- Add fruits and flour alternately, mixing until thick.
- Stir in applesauce and bake in prepared pans for about 3 hours.
