Go Back
+ servings
Grandma's Fruit Cake

Grandma's Fruit Cake: A Heartfelt Slice of Tradition

Grandma's Fruit Cake is a cherished dessert that evokes memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Traditional
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups Mixed Dried Fruits Raisins, currants, and chopped dates
  • 1 cup Candied Ginger Or fresh ginger as a substitute
  • 1 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans Your choice of nuts
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Or margarine as a dairy-free alternative
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar Coconut sugar can be a substitution
  • 4 large Eggs Flax eggs for vegan alternative
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Or almond flour for gluten-free
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder For rising
  • 1 tsp Salt Enhances all flavors
  • 1 tsp Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves) Adjust to taste
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract Or almond extract as an alternative
  • 1/2 cup Orange Juice Or apple juice as substitute
  • 1/2 cup Dark Rum or Brandy Or apple cider for non-alcoholic
  • 1 tbsp Orange Zest Optional if not available
  • 1/4 cup Honey With sugar for syrup
  • 1/4 cup Sugar For syrup
  • 1/2 cup Milk Or plant-based milk

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • mixing bowl
  • electric mixer
  • spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing the sides.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits with candied ginger. Pour in the orange juice and dark rum, letting the mixture soak for at least 30 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
  5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and finishing with the dry mix.
  6. Gently fold in the soaked fruits and chopped nuts into the batter.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Meanwhile, prepare the syrup by combining rum, honey, and sugar in a small saucepan. Stir until dissolved and slightly thickened.
  9. Once baked, cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes. Poke holes in the warm cake and drizzle the syrup over it.
  10. Wrap the cake tightly and let it rest in a cool place for at least 24 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

For maximum flavor, consider soaking the fruits ahead of time and check the cake for doneness with a toothpick.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!