Moist, Fruity, and Bursting with Holiday Flavor
🍽️ Recipe Card
Yield: 1 large 9-inch cake
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus soaking time)
Bake Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (plus soaking)
✅ Ingredients
Fruit Mixture:
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1 cup raisins
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1 cup currants
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1 cup chopped dates
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1 cup chopped mixed peel
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½ cup glacé cherries, chopped
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½ cup dried cranberries
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1 cup dark rum (or orange juice for non-alcoholic version)
Cake Batter:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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½ tsp allspice
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
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¼ cup molasses or dark corn syrup (for color and moisture)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 orange or lemon
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Soak the Fruits (Traditional Method)
Combine all dried fruits in a large bowl. Pour in the rum (or juice), stir, and cover tightly.
Let soak overnight or up to a week for maximum flavor. (You can even soak for a month!)
2️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or square pan with parchment paper.
3️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar
Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
4️⃣ Add Eggs & Flavorings
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in vanilla, molasses, and citrus zest.
5️⃣ Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
6️⃣ Add Fruits
Stir in the soaked fruits (and any remaining liquid), then fold in the dry ingredients and nuts.
7️⃣ Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 1 hour 20–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8️⃣ Optional Rum Soak (for extra richness)
While warm, brush the cake with a few tablespoons of rum or fruit juice.
Let it cool completely in the pan before removing.
💡 Tips
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🌰 For a darker, richer cake, add 2 tbsp of blackstrap molasses or burnt sugar essence.
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🍒 You can pulse the soaked fruits in a food processor for a smoother texture.
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🧊 Keeps beautifully — wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 month.
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🥃 For festive flavor, “feed” the cake weekly with a spoonful of rum or wine!
🧮 Nutrition (Per Slice, Approx.)
Calories: 290 | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 45g | Protein: 4g
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
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Dense, moist, and packed with fruit
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Perfect for holidays or special occasions
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Can be made boozy or alcohol-free
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Gets even better with time!