Nan's Best Dark Fruitcake

Rich, moist, and brimming with holiday flavor, Nan's Best Dark Fruitcake is a timeless classic that's as nostalgic as it is delicious. Packed with a luscious mix of rum-soaked dried fruits—think raisins, currants, dates, cherries, and candied orange peel—this fruitcake achieves the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. A generous splash of molasses and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves lend depth and complexity, while crunchy pecans or walnuts add delightful texture. The secret to its intense flavor? Letting the cake rest for a week, wrapped tightly with a splash of dark rum, to allow the flavors to meld and mature. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, this beautifully spiced dark fruitcake is sure to be the star of your festive table. Plus, it makes a wonderfully thoughtful, edible gift!

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 5 cups Mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, dried cherries, and candied orange peel)
• 1 cup Dark rum
• 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup Brown sugar, packed
• 4 Large eggs
• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Chopped pecans or walnuts
• 0.5 cup Molasses
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits with 1/2 cup of dark rum. Cover and let sit overnight or for at least 8 hours to allow the fruits to soak and absorb the rum.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan or an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

Step 3

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Step 4

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 7

Stir in the molasses, vanilla extract, chopped nuts, and the soaked dried fruits (including any excess rum). Mix until evenly distributed.

Step 8

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 85-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center 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

Once completely cooled, brush the top of the fruitcake with some of the remaining dark rum. Wrap the fruitcake tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for at least a week before serving to let the flavors deepen.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2203.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8048.2

Total Fat 299.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 136.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 1260.7mg	0%
Sodium 2145.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1165.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 68.8g	0%
Total Sugars 838.9g
Protein 83.3g	0%

Vitamin D 160IU	0%
Calcium 1126.1mg	0%
Iron 39.5mg	0%
Potassium 9687.2mg	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: 35.0%

Protein: 4.3%

Carbs: 60.6%