Dad's Pride Fruitcake

Celebrate holiday traditions with a slice of *Dad's Pride Fruitcake*, a rich, moist, and flavor-packed dessert that’s sure to steal the spotlight at your festive gatherings. This classic recipe is brimming with plump raisins, tangy dried cranberries, sweet apricots, and candied orange peel, all lightly spiced with warm hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. A touch of molasses adds depth, while chopped pecans or walnuts provide a delightful crunch. For an extra indulgent twist, soak the fruit in brandy or rum to infuse the cake with luxurious flavor. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this fruitcake is designed to improve with age, making it ideal for preparing ahead of the holiday rush. Whether served as a centerpiece dessert or gifted to loved ones, this timeless treat will quickly become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Raisins
• 1 cup Dried cranberries
• 1 cup Chopped dried apricots
• 0.5 cup Chopped candied orange peel
• 1 cup Chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.75 cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large Eggs
• 0.25 cup Molasses
• 0.25 cup Milk
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup Brandy or rum (optional, for soaking)

Directions

Step 1

If desired, soak the raisins, dried cranberries, apricots, and candied orange peel in the brandy or rum overnight to allow the fruits to plump up and absorb the flavors.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 3

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, using a hand or stand mixer.

Step 4

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the molasses and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Step 6

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 7

Fold in the soaked (or unsoaked) fruits and nuts using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.

Step 8

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 85-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 10

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

Step 11

If desired, brush the top of the cake with additional brandy or rum while it is still warm for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 12

Wrap the cooled fruitcake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and let it rest for at least 24 hours before serving for the flavors to meld together.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1891.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6626.7

Total Fat 248.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 106.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 1137.0mg	0%
Sodium 956.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 999.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 57.9g	0%
Total Sugars 721.6g
Protein 80.2g	0%

Vitamin D 190.8IU	0%
Calcium 826.2mg	0%
Iron 30.7mg	0%
Potassium 6031.8mg	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: 34.1%

Protein: 4.9%

Carbs: 61.0%