World’s Best Fruit Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- 1 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon molasses (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups mixed candied fruits (cherries, pineapple, citron, etc.)
- 1½ cups mixed nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- ½ cup raisins or currants
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dusting fruits/nuts)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan:
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a loaf or tube pan with parchment paper. - Mix the fruits and nuts:
In a bowl, toss candied fruits, nuts, and raisins with 2 tablespoons of flour to prevent them from sinking. - Cream the butter and sugar:
Beat butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. - Combine dry ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. - Combine wet and dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with orange juice and molasses. Stir in vanilla. - Fold in fruits and nuts:
Gently stir the floured fruit and nut mixture into the batter. - Bake slowly:
Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 2–2½ hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
(Check at 2 hours — cover loosely with foil if the top is browning too fast.) - Cool and age:
Let the cake cool completely. For best flavor, wrap it in cheesecloth soaked with brandy or fruit juice, then wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for at least a week before serving. Re-moisten weekly for longer aging.
Tips for Perfection
- Aging deepens flavor — 2 to 4 weeks is ideal.
- Substitute rum or sherry for orange juice for a traditional taste.
- Add dried cranberries or dates for a modern twist.
- Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of brandy butter for extra indulgence.
Enjoy !!!
