Go Back
A delicious fruit cake on a holiday table with dried fruits and nuts

Classic Fruit Cake

A rich, moist fruit cake loaded with an assortment of dried fruits, candied citrus, nuts, and warm spices. This traditional holiday cake is perfect for festive gatherings and improves in flavor when allowed to mature for a day or two. It’s a timeless dessert that brings together a wonderful blend of textures and aromas.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert, Holiday Cake
Cuisine Traditional/International
Servings 10 –12 slices

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Sieve (for flour)
  • 8–9-inch loaf or round cake pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon optional
  • Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Fruit & Nut Mix:
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruits such as raisins, currants, and chopped dates
  • 1/2 cup candied citrus peel chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Optional Flavor Boost:
  • 2 tablespoons dark rum or brandy to soak the fruit mix

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Fruits:
  • In a small bowl, combine the dried fruits, candied citrus peel, and nuts.
  • If using, drizzle the dark rum or brandy over the fruit mixture and let it soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for a more intense flavor).
  • Preheat & Prepare Pan:
  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  • Grease your chosen cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
  • Cream Butter & Sugar:
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
  • Add Eggs & Flavorings:
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using).
  • Combine Dry Ingredients:
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves).
  • Mix Batter:
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
  • Fold in the soaked fruit and nut mixture evenly with a spatula.
  • Bake:
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool & Mature:
  • Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
  • Transfer the cake to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  • For enhanced flavor, wrap the cooled cake tightly in aluminum foil and let it mature at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 24 hours (or longer) before serving.
  • Details
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus an optional 30 minutes to soak fruits)
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 2 hours (including cooling and optional soaking time)
  • Yield: 10–12 slices
  • Category: Dessert, Holiday Cake
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Traditional/International
  • Diet: Vegetarian
  • Keywords
  • fruit cake, holiday cake, dried fruit cake, spiced cake, nut cake, traditional dessert, Christmas cake, classic fruit cake
  • Nutrition (per serving, assuming 12 slices)
  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: ~280 kcal
  • Sugar: ~18 g
  • Sodium: ~150 mg
  • Fat: ~14 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~35 g
  • Fiber: ~3 g
  • Protein: ~4 g
  • Cholesterol: ~75 mg
  • Note: These nutrition estimates are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used.

Notes

Flavor Development: For the best flavor, allow the cake to mature for at least one day after baking. This resting period helps the spices and fruits meld together.
Customization: Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits or nuts based on your taste and seasonal availability.
Serving Suggestion: Serve as is or with a dusting of powdered sugar. Some enjoy it with a side of whipped cream or a dollop of brandy butter.
Storage: Store in an airtight container. The cake keeps well for several days and can even improve in flavor over time.
Temperature Tip: Ensure that eggs and butter are at room temperature to help achieve a uniform and smooth batter.
Enjoy your Classic Fruit Cake—a festive treat that brings warmth and tradition to any celebration!
Keyword fruit cake, holiday cake, dried fruit cake, spiced cake, nut cake, traditional dessert, Christmas cake, classic fruit cake