This recipe has been in our family for generations. My grandma would make it every Christmas, and the house smelled like magic. It’s a holiday tradition we’ll never skip!
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Mix-Ins:
1 cup chopped candied cherries
1 cup chopped candied pineapple
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Wet Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🚨 Instructions 🚨
Prep and preheat: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Toss mix-ins: In a small bowl, toss the candied fruits, raisins, and nuts with 2 tablespoons of the dry mixture to prevent sticking.
Make the batter: In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in orange juice and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the fruit and nut mixture.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 2–2.5 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and store: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Wrap in plastic wrap and foil, and let it rest for 1–2 days for the flavors to deepen.
Why You’ll Love It 💕
This fruitcake is moist, spiced to perfection, and filled with candied fruit and nuts that make every bite a holiday delight. It’s a family recipe that warms hearts and brings back memories.
⭐️ 4.9 from 48 votes
⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
⏰ Baking Time: 2–2.5 hours
⏰ Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling)
🍽️ Course: Dessert
🌎 Cuisine: American
🍴 Servings: 12 slices
🔥 Calories: 320 kcal per slice
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