Grandma’s Classic Fruit Cake

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• The Story Behind Grandma’s Classic Fruit Cake
• Why This Fruit Cake is the Best Holiday Dessert
• How to Get the Perfect Moist Fruit Cake
• Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Fruit Cake
• Serving and Storing Your Fruit Cake
• Creative Ways to Enjoy Leftover Fruit Cake
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

Grandma’s Classic Fruit Cake is a holiday tradition packed with rich flavors and a moist texture. This homemade fruit cake is easy to make and is perfect for Christmas or any festive occasion. Learn how to achieve the perfect balance of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices to create a timeless dessert that everyone will love.

The Story Behind Grandma’s Classic Fruit Cake

Fruit cake has been a cherished holiday dessert for generations, and this version from Patricia Universe brings a nostalgic warmth to every bite. Inspired by family traditions, this recipe embodies the comforting flavors of the holidays with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether you grew up enjoying this treat or are trying it for the first time, this classic dessert will make you feel right at home.

Why This Fruit Cake is the Best Holiday Dessert

There’s a reason why this homemade fruit cake has stood the test of time. The combination of dried fruits, a rich buttery batter, and just the right amount of spice makes this dessert a must-have for any Christmas gathering. Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, ensuring that you can bake a delicious cake even if you’re a beginner.

How to Get the Perfect Moist Fruit Cake

One of the biggest concerns when baking a fruit cake is keeping it moist. The secret lies in the right ratio of ingredients and a few baking tricks. Soaking your dried fruits in orange juice or rum before adding them to the batter will infuse extra moisture and enhance the flavor. Baking at a lower temperature and allowing the cake to cool properly also help in achieving the perfect texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Fruit Cake

Baking fruit cake might seem simple, but a few mistakes can impact the final result. Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense and tough, while baking at too high a temperature can dry it out. Another common issue is not properly greasing and lining the pan, which can cause the cake to stick. By following these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to a flawless homemade fruit cake.

Serving and Storing Your Fruit Cake

Once your fruit cake is baked and cooled, it’s time to serve! A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive touch, or you can go all out with a classic icing glaze. If you have leftovers, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. It actually tastes even better after a few days, as the flavors have time to meld together.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Leftover Fruit Cake

Leftover fruit cake? No problem! Turn it into a delicious trifle by layering it with whipped cream and fresh berries, or toast it and serve with butter for a cozy treat. You can even crumble it into ice cream for a unique holiday twist. The possibilities are endless, so don’t let any of this delicious dessert go to waste.

Notes & Tips

For an extra festive touch, add a splash of brandy or rum to the batter for a deeper, richer flavor. You can also swap out certain dried fruits based on your preference—chopped dates, apricots, or cranberries all work wonderfully. Be sure to store your fruit cake properly to keep it fresh and flavorful for longer.

Grandma’s Classic Fruit Cake

This rich and moist fruit cake recipe is a holiday favorite, packed with dried fruits and warm spices.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas cake, easy baking, fruit cake recipe, holiday dessert, homemade fruit cake, moist fruit cake, traditional dessert

Servings: 10 slices

Author: Patricia

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup mixed dried fruits
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
4. Stir in vanilla extract and milk.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
7. Fold in dried fruits and nuts.
8. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

For extra moisture, soak the dried fruits in orange juice or rum before adding them to the batter.