Go Back

Holiday Fruitcake

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Bake Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, British classic
Servings 10 slices

Ingredients
  

For the Soaked Fruit:

  • 1½ cups mixed dried fruit cherries, golden raisins, chopped apricots, cranberries
  • ½ cup chopped dates or prunes
  • ½ cup orange juice rum, or brandy (or strong black tea)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp molasses
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 orange

Add-Ins:

  • 1 cup chopped nuts pecans or walnuts
  • Optional: extra brandy or rum for brushing after baking

Instructions
 

  • Soak the fruit: Combine dried fruits and dates in a bowl. Pour over juice or booze. Cover and let sit overnight or at least 2 hours.
  • Prep: Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9x5" loaf pan and line with parchment.
  • Mix dry: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
  • Cream butter & sugar: In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time. Mix in molasses, vanilla, and orange zest.
  • Combine: Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in soaked fruit (with any liquid) and nuts.
  • Bake: Pour into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake 60–70 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
  • Cool & brush: Let cool in pan 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Brush with a little brandy or rum while warm, if using.

Notes

  • Fruit substitutions? Use any combo you love: figs, pineapple, currants, or even dried blueberries.
  • No alcohol? Use apple cider or brewed tea for soaking — still delicious!