Description

This Perfect Fruit Cake Recipe is rich, moist, and packed with warm spices, dried fruits, and crunchy nuts. Infused with orange juice and an optional splash of brandy, this classic fruit cake is anything but dry. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion, it gets even better as it sits. Try this easy, flavorful fruit cake today!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)
2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, chopped apricots)
1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch loaf pan or round cake pan. Line with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, toss the dried fruits and nuts with 2 tablespoons of flour (from the measured flour) to prevent sinking.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice and brandy/rum (if using). Stir until just combined.
Fold in the floured dried fruits and nuts, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra moisture, soak the dried fruits in orange juice or brandy overnight.
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
Make ahead – the flavors develop even more after a day or two.
Store at room temperature for 3 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 60
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: perfect fruit cake, moist fruit cake, holiday fruit cake, Christmas cake, fruit and nut cake, spiced fruit cake