Can't Fail Holiday Fruitcake

Packed with festive flavors and a foolproof method, the "Can't Fail Holiday Fruitcake" is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. Brimming with a medley of dried apricots, cranberries, golden raisins, and candied orange peel, this fruitcake is soaked in dark rum for a rich, aromatic base. A touch of orange zest, warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and the crunch of pecans or walnuts elevate its comforting texture and taste. Baked to perfection and optionally brushed with brandy for added depth, this cake gets even better with time, allowing the flavors to mature. Whether you’re a fruitcake enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this moist, flavorful recipe is a guaranteed winner for your holiday dessert table.

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dried apricots
• 1 cup Dried cranberries
• 1 cup Golden raisins
• 0.5 cup Candied orange peel
• 0.5 cup Dark rum
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground allspice
• 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup Brown sugar, packed
• 4 items Large eggs
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 tablespoon Orange zest
• 0.5 cup Optional: Brandy or additional rum for soaking

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, combine the dried apricots, dried cranberries, golden raisins, and candied orange peel. Pour the dark rum over the dried fruits and stir to coat evenly. Let the mixture soak for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice. Set aside.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until creamy and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6

Fold in the soaked fruit mixture, including any remaining rum, and the chopped pecans or walnuts. Ensure the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 85–90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Let the fruitcake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

If desired, brush the finished fruitcake with brandy or additional rum for added flavor and to help preserve it. Wrap the cooled fruitcake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container.

Step 10

For best results, allow the fruitcake to age for at least a week before serving. Reapply brandy or rum every few days for extra moisture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1734.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6533.2

Total Fat 296.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 135.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 1260.7mg	0%
Sodium 928.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 797.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 50.9g	0%
Total Sugars 529.7g
Protein 71.9g	0%

Vitamin D 160IU	0%
Calcium 682.4mg	0%
Iron 25.9mg	0%
Potassium 3663.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.4%

Protein: 4.7%

Carbs: 51.9%