Festive Harvest Fruit Cake

A delightful twist on the classic fruit cake, this Festive Harvest Fruit Cake is brimming with autumnal flavors and packed with a medley of dried fruits and nuts, perfect for any festive gathering.

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Serves: 8

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup mixed dried fruits (apricots, cranberries, raisins)

1/2 cup candied orange peel

1/2 cup dark rum

Zest of 1 orange

1/4 cup apple cider

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease a 9-inch loaf pan.

2. In a small bowl, soak the mixed dried fruits and candied orange peel in dark rum for at least 1 hour.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and orange zest.

5. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

7. Stir in the soaked fruits, any remaining rum, walnuts, and apple cider.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

9. Bake for 70 to 80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, slice the desired amount and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Scan for cooking tips & leave a review!

itsonly.recipes/view/festive-harvest-fruit-cake

This recipe is for informational purposes only. Always follow proper food safety practices, cook foods to safe internal temperatures, and store leftovers appropriately. Results may vary.