Description
A festive and delightful Christmas fruit cake that is perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, and chopped dried apricots)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup candied cherries, halved (optional)
- 1/2 cup rum or brandy (optional, for soaking)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit, walnuts, applesauce, orange juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the candied cherries if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If using rum or brandy, let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then brush the top with the alcohol before removing it from the pan. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
- For best flavor, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 24 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the wet ingredients for an extra layer of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Delightful Christmas Fruit Cake, Christmas dessert, holiday baking