Luxuriously Rich Fruit Cake with a Deep Buttery Valentine Finish

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By Gianna Poulef

Luxuriously Rich Fruit Cake

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)

This Now, Make It Later!

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)

NutrientAmount
Calories390 kcal
Protein6g
Fat18g
Carbohydrates52g
Sugar34g
Fiber3g
Sodium150mg

Approximate values.

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Interactive Element

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Luxuriously Rich Fruit Cake with a Deep Buttery Valentine Finish


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 85 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Moist and buttery fruit cake loaded with dried fruits and nuts.


Ingredients

Scale

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
Luxuriously Rich Fruit Cake with a Deep Buttery Valentine Finish
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

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!.

Let’s be friends!

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