Classic Southern Christmas Fruit Cake (Moist & Flavorful)

by

📝 Ingredients

Fruit & Nuts

  • 1 cup raisins

  • 1 cup chopped dates

  • ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries

  • ½ cup candied pineapple (red or green), chopped

  • ½ cup candied citrus peel (optional but traditional)

  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Cake Batter

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)

  • 4 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

  • ½ tsp ground cloves

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Moisture & Flavor Boost

  • ½ cup applesauce or crushed pineapple (drained slightly)

  • ¼ cup orange juice or apple juice

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Fruit

In a large bowl, combine raisins, dates, cranberries, candied pineapple, citrus peel, and nuts.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the fruit and toss well.
👉 This keeps the fruit evenly distributed in the cake.

2️⃣ Make the Batter

Preheat oven to 160°C / 325°F.
Grease and line a deep 8-inch round or loaf pan with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in vanilla extract.

3️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour

  • Baking powder

  • Salt

  • Cinnamon

  • Nutmeg

  • Cloves

Gradually add dry ingredients to the batter, mixing gently.

4️⃣ Add Moisture & Fruit

Fold in applesauce (or pineapple) and juice.
Gently stir in the prepared fruit and nut mixture.

5️⃣ Bake Low & Slow

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes, until:

  • The top is deep golden

  • A toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean

If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

6️⃣ Cool & Mature (Very Important!)

Let cake cool completely in the pan.
Wrap tightly in parchment and foil.

For best flavor:

  • Store in an airtight container

  • Let rest 2–5 days before slicing

👉 This allows flavors to deepen and the cake to become extra moist.

🍽️ Serving Tips

  • Slice thin (it’s rich!)

  • Serve with coffee, tea, or warm cider

  • Optional: dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving

❤️ Why This Cake Is Special

  • Dense yet moist

  • Not overly sweet

  • Packed with fruit and spice

  • That warm Christmas aroma fills the whole kitchen

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