7 Surprisingly Light & Powerful Low-Fat Fruit Cake Secrets

Light and Moist Low-Fat Fruit Cake with Naturally Sweet Flavor

Thank you for being here, friend This is one of those cakes I make when I want something comforting but not heavy—a cake you can enjoy with your afternoon tea and feel good about slicing again the next day. This Light and Moist Low-Fat Fruit Cake is gently spiced, naturally sweet, and packed with tender fruit in every bite.

It reminds me of the simple fruit cakes my nonna baked when she wanted something “just sweet enough.” No thick frosting. No excess butter. Just honest ingredients doing beautiful work together. Soft, fragrant, and perfect for everyday baking.

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Overview of Light Low-Fat Fruit Cake

What This Recipe Is

A tender, low-fat fruit cake made with minimal oil, warm spices, and naturally sweet dried and fresh fruit.

Why You’ll Love It

• Light yet moist texture
• Lower fat than traditional fruit cake
• Naturally sweet flavor
• Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert
• Keeps beautifully for days

What It Tastes Like

Soft crumb, gentle sweetness, hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, and bursts of fruity goodness in every slice.

When to Serve It

• Afternoon tea
• Light dessert
• Holiday brunch
• Everyday snacking cake

Full Ingredients List (Complete & Detailed)

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Light Low-Fat Fruit Cake Batter

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted light butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup low-fat milk or buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit Mix

• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, chopped dates or cranberries)
• ½ cup chopped apple or pineapple (adds moisture and natural sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons flour (for tossing fruit)

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• Zest of 1 orange or lemon

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Loaf pan or 8-inch round pan
• Parchment paper

Substitutions & Variations

• Use whole wheat pastry flour for extra fiber
• Swap sugar for coconut sugar
• Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce
• Make dairy-free with almond or oat milk

How to Make Light and Moist Low-Fat Fruit Cake

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Step 1: Prep the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line and grease your baking pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk oil, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4: Combine

Add dry ingredients to wet and mix gently. Toss fruit with flour, then fold into batter.

Step 5: Bake

Pour batter into pan and bake 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool before slicing—the crumb sets beautifully as it rests.

What to Serve with Fruit Cake

• Hot tea or coffee
• Light whipped cream or yogurt
• Fresh berries
• A drizzle of honey

Tips for the Best Low-Fat Fruit Cake

• Don’t overmix—gentle folds keep it tender
• Use juicy fruit for natural moisture
• Cool fully for clean slices
• Wrap overnight for even better flavor

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: 2 days, wrapped
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (slice first)

General Information

Low-fat fruit cakes are popular in everyday European home baking—lighter than holiday fruitcakes, but still rich in flavor thanks to fruit and spice rather than butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cake very sweet?
No—it’s gently sweet and perfect for daily enjoyment.

Can I reduce the sugar further?
Yes, especially if using naturally sweet fruit like dates.

Does it work as muffins?
Absolutely—bake 18–22 minutes.

Conclusion

This Light and Moist Low-Fat Fruit Cake is proof that you don’t need loads of fat to create a cake that’s comforting, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe you bake once—and keep coming back to.

You may also love:

• https://poulef.com/fluffy-fruit-loaf-cake/
• https://poulef.com/grandmas-old-fashioned-honey-spice-muffins/
• https://poulef.com/orange-raisin-scones/
• https://poulef.com/brown-butter-pecan-shortbread-cookies/
• https://poulef.com/orange-cottage-cheese-cloud-cake/

Interactive Elements

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Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice)

Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs
~190 kcal	4 g	6 g	30 g

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