Description
A traditional holiday centerpiece, this Classic Fruitcake is a dense, moist, and richly spiced cake packed with candied fruits and nuts. Unlike modern jokes about fruitcake, a well-made one is a truly delicious and festive treat. This recipe uses a blend of dried and candied fruits, soaked in brandy or rum, to create a deeply flavorful cake that improves with age. It’s a perfect make-ahead Christmas dessert that can be baked weeks in advance.
A Taste of History
The earliest form of fruitcake dates back to ancient Rome, where it was more of an energy bar made with barley mash, pine nuts, raisins, and pomegranate seeds. In the Middle Ages, spices, honey, and preserved fruits were added. The modern fruitcake, often soaked in spirits to help preserve it for long periods, became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in Britain.
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time
2 hours
Ingredients & Nutrition
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Instructions
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Reviews & Photos
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