Dads Accidental Fruitcake

Discover the charm of "Dad's Accidental Fruitcake," a delightful twist on the classic holiday treat that’s perfect for any time of year. This moist, flavor-packed loaf blends warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with bursts of dried cranberries, golden raisins, and candied orange peel, while crunchy pecans or walnuts add a satisfying texture. A splash of dark rum and a gentle glaze of apricot jam (both optional) elevate the cake with a touch of sophistication. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for a later indulgence, this easy-to-make fruitcake is a crowd-pleasing standout that’s as nostalgic as it is irresistible. Keywords: fruitcake recipe, holiday baking, dried cranberry dessert, homemade fruitcake, easy fruitcake loaf.

Nutriscore Rating: 45/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.75 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons dark rum (optional)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 0.5 cups golden raisins
• 0.5 cups candied orange peel, chopped
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 0.5 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons apricot jam (optional, for glazing)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until they are light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 4

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional dark rum.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 6

Fold in the dried cranberries, golden raisins, candied orange peel, and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 70-75 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, heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s smooth and liquidy. Brush it over the top of the cooled fruitcake for a shiny glaze.

Step 10

Slice and serve! Fruitcake can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1503.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5605.3

Total Fat 244.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 105.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 956.5mg	0%
Sodium 2069.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 795.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.2g	0%
Total Sugars 553.5g
Protein 64.9g	0%

Vitamin D 176.7IU	0%
Calcium 679.3mg	0%
Iron 20.9mg	0%
Potassium 2212.1mg	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: 39.0%

Protein: 4.6%

Carbs: 56.4%