Why You’ll Love This Fruit Cake
- Moist and buttery (not dry!)
- Packed with fruit and nuts
- Naturally sweet with molasses depth
- Elegant Valentine-style finish
- Perfect for gifting
Full Ingredients List (Complete & Detailed)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons molasses (or honey for lighter flavor)
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
Fruits & Nuts
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits
(raisins, currants, chopped dates, cherries, apricots) - ¾ cup chopped mixed nuts
(walnuts, almonds, pecans) - 1 tablespoon flour (for coating fruits and nuts)
Optional Valentine Glaze
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for light drizzle finish)
How to Make Luxurious Fruit Cake
Step 1: Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment.
Step 2: Coat Fruits & Nuts
Toss dried fruits and nuts with 1 tablespoon flour.
This prevents sinking during baking.
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
Beat softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs & Flavor
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
Stir in:
- Vanilla
- Molasses
- Orange juice
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually mix into wet ingredients.
Fold in fruit and nut mixture.
Step 6: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake 55–70 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely.
Step 7: Valentine Finish
Brush cake with melted butter and honey mixture.
Optional: Drizzle powdered sugar glaze lightly over top.
This gives it that rich, glossy, romantic finish.
What It Tastes Like
Deep caramel notes from brown sugar.
Warm spice from cinnamon.
Bright citrus lift from orange juice.
Chewy fruits and crunchy toasted nuts.
It’s rich without being heavy.
Tips for Perfect Fruit Cake
- Use high-quality dried fruits
- Don’t overmix
- Bake low and slow
- Wrap and rest cake 24 hours for deeper flavor
Storage
Room temperature: 4 days (wrapped tightly)
Refrigerate: 1 week
Freeze: 3 months
Flavor improves after resting overnight.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 12 Slices)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Sugar | 34g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Approximate values.
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Interactive Element
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PrintLuxuriously Rich Fruit Cake with a Deep Buttery Valentine Finish
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist and buttery fruit cake loaded with dried fruits and nuts.
Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons molasses
1/2 cup orange juice
2 cups dried fruit
3/4 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Coat fruits and nuts with flour.
3. Cream butter and sugar.
4. Add eggs and flavorings.
5. Mix dry ingredients.
6. Fold in fruits and nuts.
7. Bake 55–70 minutes.
8. Glaze after cooling.
Notes
Bake low and slow.
Rest overnight for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Table of Contents

Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
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