When it comes to special occasions, a delicious and moist fruit cake is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, this sweet treat is sure to impress your guests. But with so many recipes out there, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve gathered 20 of the most scrumptious and creative fruit cake recipes for every occasion.
From classic Christmas fruit cakes to gluten-free and vegan options, our collection has something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of spices, nuts, or dried fruits, these recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds. So go ahead, get baking, and make this holiday season one to remember!
Classic Christmas Fruit Cake
Warm up to the spirit of the season with this classic fruit cake recipe, filled with sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries)
– 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in dried fruit and nuts.
7. Pour into a greased 10-inch tube pan or Bundt pan.
8. Bake for 2 1/2 hours or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Moist Pineapple Fruit Cake
Celebrate the flavors of the tropics with this scrumptious pineapple fruit cake, packed with sweet and tangy goodness!
Ingredients:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pineapple juice (reserved from canning)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
3. Add crushed pineapple, nuts, flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until just combined.
4. Pour in pineapple juice and mix until the batter is smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spiced Rum Fruit Cake
This moist and flavorful fruit cake is infused with the warmth of spiced rum and perfect for the holiday season or as a special treat any time of year. With its rich flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) chopped raisins
– 1 cup (200g) chopped candied citron
– 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (250ml) spiced rum (such as Captain Morgan)
– 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, brown sugar, butter, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Stir in raisins, citron, and rum until well coated with the mixture.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 2-1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Gluten-Free Fruit Cake
This moist and flavorful gluten-free fruit cake is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/2 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries)
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, coconut sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Fold in mixed dried fruit and chopped nuts.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Vegan Fruit Cake with Dates
This vegan fruit cake is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional cakes, packed with sweet dates, juicy fruits, and aromatic spices. Perfect for special occasions or everyday snacking.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped dates
– 1/2 cup mixed fruit (raisins, cranberries, cherries)
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (almond or soy)
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, sugar, and spices.
3. Add chopped dates, mixed fruit, apple cider vinegar, non-dairy milk, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Orange and Almond Fruit Cake
This moist and flavorful fruit cake combines the sweetness of oranges with the crunch of almonds, perfect for a special occasion or as a gift. With its rich aroma and tender texture, it’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup candied orange peel, diced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together softened butter, eggs, orange juice, and chopped almonds.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in diced candied orange peel.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Cherry and Walnut Fruit Cake
This moist and flavorful fruit cake combines the sweetness of cherries with the crunch of walnuts, perfect for a special occasion or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Add cherry preserves and mix until combined.
4. Stir in flour mixture, walnuts, milk, and salt until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Brandy-Soaked Fruit Cake
This moist and flavorful fruit cake is infused with the warmth of brandy, making it a perfect dessert for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups brown sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries)
– 1/2 cup brandy
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan or Bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Stir in vanilla extract, then add flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
4. Fold in dried fruit and brandy.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Lemon Drizzle Fruit Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and flavorful fruit cake infused with the zesty aroma of lemon and topped with a tangy drizzle.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, cherries)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Lemon drizzle: 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine dried fruit, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, whisk together softened butter, eggs, cinnamon, and salt.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture; stir until well combined.
5. Fold in lemon juice.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 2 hours or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow cake to cool before preparing the lemon drizzle by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice.
9. Drizzle over warm cake.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Coconut and Raisin Fruit Cake
This moist and flavorful fruit cake is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of the year. The combination of shredded coconut, sweet raisins, and warm spices creates a deliciously aromatic dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 1 cup raisins
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Stir in flour, coconut, raisins, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Fruit Cake
This classic fruit cake recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the warmth of cinnamon, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a holiday gift. With its moist texture and aromatic spices, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup chopped fresh apples (such as Granny Smith)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped apples and pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Dark Chocolate Fruit Cake
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this decadent dark chocolate fruit cake recipe, perfect for special occasions or as a thoughtful gift. The combination of tender fruit, rich chocolate, and moist texture is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped dried cranberries
– 1 cup chopped raisins
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Stir in flour, cranberries, raisins, chocolate chips, and walnuts (if using).
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Marzipan-Topped Fruit Cake
Marzipan-Topped Fruit Cake Recipe
This classic fruit cake recipe gets a delightful twist with the addition of marzipan, adding a sweet and nutty flavor to the moist and flavorful cake.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup mixed fruit (canned or fresh)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Marzipan (almond and sugar paste), colored and shaped as desired
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, butter, eggs, mixed fruit, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
4. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Once cooled, shape marzipan into desired design (e.g., flowers, leaves) and place on top of cake.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Banana and Fig Fruit Cake
This moist and delicious fruit cake combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the sweet-tart flavor of figs, perfect for a snack or dessert. With its soft texture and rich aroma, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup chopped dried figs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add softened butter and chopped figs to the banana mixture; stir until combined.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Gingerbread Fruit Cake
This classic fruit cake recipe combines the warmth of gingerbread spices with the sweetness of dried fruits, perfect for a holiday treat or gift. The addition of crystallized ginger adds an extra layer of complexity and depth to this moist and flavorful cake.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries)
– 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, combine sugars, melted butter, eggs, and dried fruit. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the crystallized ginger and orange zest to the wet ingredients and stir to combine.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Apricot and Pecan Fruit Cake
This moist and flavorful fruit cake combines the sweetness of apricots with the crunch of pecans, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (120g) dried apricots, chopped
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
3. Stir in chopped apricots and pecans.
4. Gradually add flour and baking powder, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Carrot and Fruit Cake
This carrot and fruit cake recipe combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the tanginess of dried fruits, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 1/4 cup chopped dates
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine grated carrots, brown sugar, granulated sugar, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, raisins, and dates.
4. Add vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the carrot mixture; mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add flour mixture; mix until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Raspberry Swirl Fruit Cake
This moist and flavorful fruit cake is perfect for any occasion. The addition of fresh raspberries creates a sweet and tangy swirl that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chopped fresh raspberries
– 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped raspberries and pecans (if using).
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Honey Glazed Fruit Cake
Moist and flavorful, this honey glazed fruit cake is perfect for any occasion. With the sweetness of honey and the natural flavors of dried fruits, this cake is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, and cherries)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in dried fruit.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Drizzle honey over the top of the cake, spreading evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Mixed Berry Fruit Cake
This moist and flavorful fruit cake is perfect for any occasion, packed with a delicious mix of sweet and tangy berries. With its lovely texture and aroma, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Add the mixed berries and fold until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweetest treats with our collection of 20 delicious fruit cake recipes for every occasion! From classic Christmas treats to gluten-free and vegan options, we’ve got you covered. Try our Classic Christmas Fruit Cake for a traditional holiday treat or opt for something more unique like our Spiced Rum Fruit Cake or Brandy-Soaked Fruit Cake. Whatever your taste buds desire, we have the perfect recipe for you.