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Never Fail Fruit Cake (Old-Fashioned Style)

A nostalgic and moist fruit cake featuring a delightful blend of dried fruits and nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings and creating cherished memories.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups mixed dried fruits Opt for a colorful mix that includes raisins, cherries, and apricots.
  • 1 cup chopped nuts A combination of walnuts and pecans.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter Room temperature for easy creaming.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour Feel free to substitute whole wheat for a healthier version.
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup orange juice Fresh-squeezed for the best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup brandy or rum Optional but recommended for deepening flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Assemble all ingredients on a clean workspace.
  2. Measure and chop dried fruits and nuts into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Soften butter at room temperature for easy creaming.
  4. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
Mixing
  1. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Gradually mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients, alternating with orange juice.
  5. Gently fold in the dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed.
Baking
  1. Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  3. Bake for 60-75 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Notes

This cake gets better with age! Wrap it up and store it for holiday gatherings. For best results, invest in quality ingredients.