Best 6 Big Earls Easy Icebox Fruitcake Recipes

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Indulge in the timeless tradition of heartfelt holiday baking with Big Earl's Easy Icebox Fruitcake, a delectable treat that combines the nostalgic charm of classic fruitcake with a modern twist. This no-bake dessert is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring a moist and dense crumb studded with a medley of candied fruits, nuts, and cherries, all enveloped in a sweet and tangy glaze. As the name suggests, the magic of this fruitcake lies in its refrigeration, allowing the flavors to meld and mature over time, resulting in a rich and complex taste experience. Alongside the signature fruitcake recipe, this article presents a collection of variations to cater to diverse preferences and dietary restrictions. Discover the gluten-free adaptation, the vegan-friendly version, and the boozy delight of the bourbon-soaked fruitcake. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, this guide ensures that every baker, from novice to experienced, can recreate this cherished holiday tradition in their own kitchen.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MAMA'S ICEBOX FRUITCAKE RECIPE



Mama's Icebox Fruitcake Recipe image

My mother made one of these Icebox Fruitcakes almost every year for us at Christmas. Prepare the dry ingredients first, then melt the marshmallows with milk. Stir everything together, press into a dish and refrigerate overnight. It's easy.

Provided by Steve Gordon

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 9

½ lb. Pecans, chopped
½ lb. English Walnuts, chopped
½ lb. Brazil Nuts, chopped
½ lb. Raisins, chopped
1 10z bag Miniature Marshmallows
½ lb. Graham Crackers, crushed
1 can Evaporated Milk, 12 ounce
½ cup Sweetened Flake Coconut
½ cup Maraschino Cherries with juice, chopped

Steps:

  • Prepare all the dry ingredients ahead of time as directed.
  • Chop the pecans, walnuts, brazil nuts, and raisins as needed.
  • Crush or chop the graham crackers.
  • Chop the maraschino cherries, saving the juice. Set aside for now.
  • Place the chopped nuts in a large mixing pan.
  • Add the chopped graham crackers.
  • Add the coconut.
  • Mix dry ingredients together to fully combine.
  • Place the marshmallows in a medium size sauce pot.
  • Add the milk.
  • Place the pot over Medium Low heat on your stove top.
  • Constantly stir this mixture until the marshmallows are fully melted.
  • Pour the marshmallow mixture over the crushed nuts and graham crackers.
  • Add the chopped cherries with juice.
  • Mix well, until fully combined.
  • Lightly butter a 9 x 13 x 2 casserole type dish or pan.
  • Place the mixture in the dish, spread evenly and press firmly.
  • Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
  • Enjoy!

ICEBOX FRUITCAKE



Icebox Fruitcake image

This old-fashioned Icebox Fruitcake recipe is a traditional holiday dessert that's overflowing with decadent ingredients, like Graham cracker crumbs, pecans, maraschino cherries, and mini marshmallows.

Provided by The SouthernPlate Staff

Categories     Dessert

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 box graham crackers (14.4 oz)
1 cup pecans
1 jar maraschino cherries (10 oz)
1 tablespoon cherry juice
1 cup raisins
1 cup shredded coconut (firmly packed)
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)

Steps:

  • Finely crush graham crackers and coarsely chop pecans and drained cherries.
  • Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix well.
  • Turn out into a lightly buttered 9x13 baking dish and press flat into the pan with your hands. Chill for at least 6 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 135 kcal, ServingSize 1 serving

ICEBOX CAKE



Icebox Cake image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 6h20m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 quart heavy whipping cream
1 cup powdered sugar
One 9-ounce box thin chocolate wafer cookies

Steps:

  • In the bowl of an electric mixer using a whisk attachment, whisk the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff.
  • Crush one-third of the wafers by hand or with a rolling pin inside a resalable plastic bag until they become coarse crumbs. Set aside.
  • In a round 9-inch springform pan, layer in one-third of the whipped cream, smoothing evenly with a spatula. Then layer half of the remaining flat whole wafers close to each other, then one-third more of the whipped cream, then the remaining whole wafers and finally top with the rest of the whipped cream. Garnish the top of cake with the crushed wafers.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
  • Run a paring knife around the springform pan and release the wall of the pan from around the cake. Leave the cake on the bottom of the pan and transfer to a serving dish or cake stand, then slice and serve.

ICE BOX FRUITCAKE



Ice Box Fruitcake image

I don't know if this is a regional dish or what ... but NO ONE I talk to seems to have ever heard of it except the people in my family... and most people act like it's sooooo ODD ... but it's really yummy and it's really simple common ingredients ...

Provided by Elaine Harper

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Cherry Dessert Recipes

Time 20m

Yield 14

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped raisins
1 (4 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers, crushed

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, stir together the pecans, raisins, walnuts, cherries, condensed milk and vanilla wafers. Dough will be very thick, you will need to use your hands.
  • Form dough into a ring shape on top of a dinner plate. Wrap in many layers of plastic wrap and/or aluminum foil. Allow to age in the refrigerator for at least a week. The flavors will have a chance to blend and all of the milk will be absorbed into the cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 356.4 calories, Carbohydrate 46.2 g, Cholesterol 9.5 mg, Fat 18.2 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 110.5 mg, Sugar 22.7 g

ICEBOX FRUITCAKE



Icebox Fruitcake image

Provided by Stacey Little | Southern Bite

Categories     Dessert     Snack

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (14.4-ounce) box graham crackers
1 cup chopped pecans
1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained with juice reserved
1 cup raisins
1 cup firmly packed shredded sweetened coconut
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Steps:

  • Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Crush the graham crackers using a food processor or add them to a large ziptop bag and crush using a rolling pin. Coarsely chop the cherries.
  • Combine crushed graham crackers, pecans, cherries, raisins, coconut, marshmallows, and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl and mix well. Add reserved cherry juice by the tablespoonful until the mixture comes together, but isn't too soft. I usually add between 2 and 3 tablespoons.
  • Turn out into the prepared dish and press flat with your hands. Cover and chill at least 6 hours, then cut into bars. Keep refrigerated.

ICEBOX FRUITCAKE (NO BAKING REQUIRED!)



Icebox Fruitcake (no Baking Required!) image

Don't turn your nose up at this one! I don't even know why it is called fruitcake really! My ENTIRE family hates fruitcake in any way, shape, or form - this is one that we all LOVE!

Provided by Lorri in Wyoming

Categories     Dessert

Time P1DT10m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 cups pecans
1 (15 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 lb candied cherry
1/2 lb candied pineapple
1 (6 ounce) can flaked coconut
1 (12 ounce) box vanilla wafers
1 cup seedless raisin

Steps:

  • Chop pecans, cherries and pineapple and mix together.
  • Mash wafers and mix with above ingredients.
  • Add sweetened condensed milk and mix well.
  • Press into large loaf pan and put into icebox for at least 24 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 723.7, Fat 39.4, SaturatedFat 9.6, Cholesterol 12.1, Sodium 206.4, Carbohydrate 92.1, Fiber 5.7, Sugar 64.5, Protein 8.3

Tips:

  • To make the best icebox fruitcake, use fresh, high-quality fruit. This will ensure that your cake is as flavorful and delicious as possible.
  • If you don't have candied fruit on hand, you can easily make your own. Simply combine 1 cup of your favorite dried fruit with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the fruit is plump and juicy.
  • The type of nuts you use in your icebox fruitcake is up to you. Some popular options include walnuts, pecans, almonds, and pistachios. You could also experiment with different combinations of nuts, such as a mixture of walnuts, pecans, and raisins.
  • If you want to add a little extra flavor to your icebox fruitcake, try adding a tablespoon of rum, brandy, or orange liqueur to the batter. This will give the cake a delicious boozy flavor.
  • Be sure to chill the icebox fruitcake for at least 24 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to set properly.

Conclusion:

Icebox fruitcake is a delicious and easy-to-make holiday treat. With its simple ingredients and no-bake preparation, it's the perfect dessert for busy home cooks. Whether you're looking for a traditional Christmas cake or a fun and festive treat for any occasion, icebox fruitcake is sure to please everyone at your table.

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