Best 12 Cherry Date Fruitcake Recipes

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Indulge your taste buds with a delectable journey through the world of fruitcakes as we unveil the secrets behind a treasured holiday classic: Cherry Date Fruitcake. This timeless treat finds its roots in ancient recipes, tracing its lineage back to medieval times, where it was known as "plum cake." Over the centuries, cultures worldwide have embraced and adapted this cherished confection, creating a rich tapestry of flavors and textures. With its origins deeply embedded in tradition, fruitcake has become an integral part of holiday celebrations, gracing tables and spreading joy during festive gatherings. This article offers an enticing collection of fruitcake recipes, each representing a unique culinary adventure. From the classic Cherry Date Fruitcake, bursting with sweet cherries and plump dates, to the decadent Chocolate Fruitcake, a symphony of rich cocoa and fruity surprises, these recipes promise an extraordinary taste experience. For those seeking a tropical twist, the Pineapple Coconut Fruitcake beckons with its vibrant flavors and aroma. And for a touch of elegance, the Cranberry Orange Fruitcake offers a delightful balance of tart and sweet. As you embark on this culinary expedition, you'll discover the secrets to creating moist, flavorful fruitcakes that will become cherished memories.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CHERRY FRUITCAKE



Cherry Fruitcake image

This fruitcake will not be bitter because it has no citron. I got it from a good friend's Mom in the 80's. When you slice it and hold it up to the light, there is very little cake, and it looks like stained glass. Many "fruitcake haters" have been won over by this cake.

Provided by TigerJo

Categories     Dessert

Time 2h

Yield 1 fruitcake

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb walnuts or 1 lb pecans
1 lb pitted dates, diced
8 ounces crystallized pineapple
8 ounces candied red cherries
8 ounces green glazed cherries
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
4 whole eggs

Steps:

  • Using a tube pan (line bottom with two greased layers of greased waxed paper, and grease sides of pan); or using two loaf pans or eight mini-loaf pans (line bottom/sides with two greased layers of waxed paper). Be generous with shortening on the layer next to the cake.
  • Cut pineapple, red and green cherries in half; cut dates in 3 pieces.Using hands, combine pineapple, cherries, dates, and pecans in a large bowl. Add sugar, mix well, and set aside for 10 minutes.
  • Beat eggs& vanilla until light and fluffy; pour over fruit and nut mixture. Using hands, mix well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour on above mixture until"syrupy", again, using hands.
  • Preheat oven to 275°F Add cake mixture evenly to pans and pack down tightly. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake comes out clean, approximately 90 minutes for a tube pan; 1 1/4 hr for 2 loaf pans; and check starting after an hour for mini-loaf pans.
  • Remove cake (s) from oven, cool slightly, and remove waxed paper while still warm.

PECAN DATE FRUITCAKE



Pecan Date Fruitcake image

My husband grew up in Louisiana and has fond memories of his mother's fruitcake. I make this for him every year to remind him of special times. Pretty slices are an attractive addition.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h15m

Yield 3 loaves.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 pounds pitted dates, quartered
1 pound pecan halves (4 cups)
1 pound candied cherries, halved (2-1/4 cups)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Grease and line three 8x4-in. loaf pans with waxed paper; set aside. In a large bowl, combine dates, nuts and cherries. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; stir into fruit mixture until well coated. In a bowl, beat eggs and vanilla until foamy. Fold into fruit mixture and mix well. Pour into prepared pans., Bake at 300° for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Remove waxed paper. Cool completely before slicing. Wrap and store in a cool, dry place.

Nutrition Facts :

DRIED CHERRY-ALMOND FRUITCAKE



Dried Cherry-Almond Fruitcake image

Categories     Cake     Berry     Fruit     Nut     Dessert     Bake     Apricot     Cherry     Almond     Winter     Bon Appétit     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 20 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Cake
1 1/2 pounds pitted dried Bing cherries
1 1/2 pounds dried apricots, chopped
1 pound slivered almonds, toasted
1 cup golden raisins (about 5 ounces)
2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
6 large eggs, room temperature
3 tablespoons amber rum
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Syrup
2/3 cup amber rum
1/3 cup pure maple syrup

Steps:

  • For cake:
  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter and flour 10-inch-diameter nonstick angel food cake pan. Line bottom with parchment paper. Toss first 4 ingredients with 1/2 cup flour in large bowl to coat.
  • Whisk remaining 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat butter and both sugars in another large bowl until fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time, blending well after each addition. Beat in rum, maple syrup, and vanilla. Add flour mixture and beat until just combined. Stir in dried fruit mixture. Spoon batter into prepared pan, flattening to eliminate air pockets. Bake until tester inserted near center of cake comes out clean and cake is deep golden brown, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Cool in pan 15 minutes.
  • For syrup:
  • Whisk rum and maple syrup in bowl. Spoon half over warm cake in pan. Let stand until absorbed. Cut around cake to loosen; invert onto platter. Peel off paper. Spoon remaining syrup over cake. Let stand about 4 hours. (Can be made ahead. Cover and store at room temperature 1 day or chill up to 1 week.)

DRIED NUT AND FRUIT CAKE



Dried Nut and Fruit Cake image

Provided by Marian Burros

Categories     dessert, side dish

Time 2h25m

Yield One 6-pound cake

Number Of Ingredients 16

8 ounces (2 cups) walnut halves
8 ounces (2 cups) pecan halves
1/2 pound shelled whole brazil nuts (1 1/2 cups)
16 ounces pitted dates
1 box (15 ounces) dried apricots
12 pitted prunes, halves
4 ounces mixed candied fruits
1/2 cup raisins
1 1/2 jars (8 ounces each) maraschino cherries, drained (1 cup)
1 1/2 cups sifted unbleached flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
6 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup brandy

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  • Grease the bottom and sides of an 8-cup souffle dish or a 9 by 5 by 3 inch loaf pan. Line with brown paper; grease paper.
  • Combine walnuts, pecans, brazil nuts, dates, apricots, prunes, candied fruits, raisins and cherries in large bowl.
  • Sift flour, baking powder and salt over nuts and fruits. Toss lightly until well coated.
  • Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla in a medium-size bowl with electric mixer until fluffy and light. Pour over nut mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  • Fill prepared dish or pan, pressing cake mixture firmly so it will hold its shape after baking.
  • Bake for one hour and 45 minutes. (If fruits are browning too quickly, cover with buttered foil). Remove cake to wire rack.
  • Spoon 1/4 cup brandy over cake. Let stand one hour. Invert; peel off paper; turn right side up; let stand on wire rack until cooled completely. Place wire rack in shallow pan; spoon remaining 1/2 cup brandy over cake.
  • To store: Wrap in cheesecloth that has been soaked in brandy. Wrap in heavy duty foil or store in tightly covered container. If cheesecloth dries out, dip in brandy and rewrap cake.

APPLESAUCE FRUITCAKE



Applesauce Fruitcake image

Fruitcake made with applesauce and maraschino cherries.

Provided by TEETEE

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Cherry Dessert Recipes

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 ½ cups white sugar
1 cup shortening
2 eggs
3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups chopped walnuts
1 ½ cups raisins
1 ½ cups dates, pitted and chopped
½ cup maraschino cherries, coarsely chopped
2 cups applesauce
6 maraschino cherries, halved
6 pecan halves

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Grease a 10 inch tube pan. Line bottom with parchment paper and grease again.
  • In large bowl, cream sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Add eggs and blend well.
  • Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Combine 1/2 cup of flour with nuts, raisins, dates and 1/2 cup cherries, stir until coated. Set aside.
  • Add remaining 2 3/4 cups flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and salt to egg mixture. Blend at low speed until moistened, then beat 2 minutes on medium speed.
  • Fold fruit and nut mixture and applesauce into batter. Pour batter into a 10 inch tube pan. Arrange cherry halves and pecans on top.
  • Bake at 325 degrees F (160 degrees C) for 1hour and 15 to 45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes clean. Cool upright in pan 5 minutes. Turn upright onto wire rack and remove pan and parchment paper. Cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 625.1 calories, Carbohydrate 90.3 g, Cholesterol 31 mg, Fat 28.6 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 8 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 270.7 mg, Sugar 52 g

HOLIDAY FRUITCAKE



Holiday Fruitcake image

This is my own fruitcake recipe and it's a family favorite. The mixture of fruits and nuts helps make it a tasty treat. -Allene Spence, Delbarton, West Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 2h20m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1-1/2 cups whole red candied cherries
1-1/2 cups whole green candied cherries
3 cups diced candied pineapple
1 pound walnut halves
10 ounces golden raisins
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
5 large eggs
4 tablespoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300°. Combine fruit and nuts. In another bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Pour over fruit and nuts; stir to coat. , Transfer to a greased and floured 10-in. tube pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 2 hours. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Wrap tightly and store in a cool place. Bring to room temperature before serving; slice with a serrated knife.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 686 calories, Fat 32g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 342mg sodium, Carbohydrate 92g carbohydrate (61g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

DATE FRUITCAKE



Date Fruitcake image

Make and share this Date Fruitcake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by GrandmaIsCooking

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h15m

Yield 2 loaves, 20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups dates, stoned but not cut up
1 lb walnut pieces, not cut up
1 lb candied cherry, not cut up
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup sugar
4 eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Mix dates, walnuts and cherries.
  • Sift together flour, salt and baking powder, and mix with the fruit mixture. Add sugar and mix.
  • Beat 4 egg yolks until thick and mix thoroughly through cake mix. Add vanilla.
  • Beat egg whites until stiff and dry and fold into mixture.
  • Line 2 loaf pans with wax paper, pour in mix and bake 1 hr at 350 degrees, or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Oven temperatures vary. Do not overbake if you have a hot oven.

DATE-NUT FRUITCAKE



Date-Nut Fruitcake image

Unlike traditional fruitcake, with its dark color and dense texture, this fruitcake is light-colored and light-textured, flavored with orange, coconut, date, raisins and nuts. It was baked in a fluted cake pan to give it a different shape.-Linda Ault, Newberry, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h45m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
GLAZE:
1/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon grated orange zest

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs; mix well. Combine flour and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk. Stir in the coconut, raisins, dates, pecans and orange zest. , Spoon into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at 300° for 85-95 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Place a piece of waxed paper under rack. , In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and orange juice to a boil; boil for 1 minute. Stir in orange zest. Poke holes in cake with a long wooden skewer; gradually spoon glaze over fruitcake. Cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 475 calories, Fat 20g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 84mg cholesterol, Sodium 236mg sodium, Carbohydrate 70g carbohydrate (45g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

CHOCOLATE CHIP FRUITCAKE



Chocolate Chip Fruitcake image

"Chocolate chips temp even those who don't care for fruitcake to try this one," says Ruth Peterson, Jenison, Michigan.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h25m

Yield 1 loaf.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup halved candied cherries
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Steps:

  • In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to sugar mixture and mix well. Fold in pecans, dates, cherries and chocolate chips. Pour into a greased 9x5-in. loaf pan. Bake at 325° for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 304 calories, Fat 14g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 40mg cholesterol, Sodium 96mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (31g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

DATE AND NUT CAKE WITH CHERRIES



Date and Nut Cake With Cherries image

My mom used to make a cake that contained dates, nuts and maraschino cherries. I don't have her exact recipe so I recreated it by substituting a similar recipe for a delicious date and nut cake and added maraschino cherries. (The basic cake recipe is adapted from Maida Heatter.) Note re maraschino cherries: Most of the brands available in the U.S. are an imitation of an Italian product and contain lots of preservatives. Trader Joe's sells a version of maraschino cherries without all the chemicals.

Provided by coconutty

Categories     Dessert

Time 45m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 ounces pitted dates, quartered
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup boiling water
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup maraschino cherry, drained and quartered

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Butter a 9" square cake pan.
  • Put dates, butter and baking soda in a bowl. Carefully pour boiling water over the dates; let cool.
  • Meanwhile, mix flour and baking powder. In a separate bowl, mix egg and vanilla.
  • When the date mixture is cool, stir in egg mixture and then stir in flour mixture.
  • Stir in nuts and cherries.
  • Pour batter into the prepared pan; bake for about 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.3, Fat 14.7, SaturatedFat 5.6, Cholesterol 38, Sodium 196.8, Carbohydrate 36, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 20.7, Protein 4.2

APRICOT FRUITCAKE



Apricot Fruitcake image

My husband didn't care for fruitcake (which I love) - till he tasted this one. He and I have three children. He's an avid fishermen...when others are canning fruits and vegetables, I'm busy canning and smoking salmon! -Clare Brooks, Juneau, Alaska

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 2h55m

Yield 2 loaves (18 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 cups golden raisins
2 cups each coarsely chopped dried apricots and dates
1 cup each red and green candied cherries, halved
2 cups each coarsely chopped pecans, walnuts and Brazil nuts
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup butter, softened
1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
4 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon each ground cloves, mace and nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the fruits, nuts, honey, water and lemon juice; set aside. , In another large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Fold into fruit mixture. Combine dry ingredients; gradually fold into the fruit mixture until evenly coated. Pour into two greased and waxed paper-lined 9x5-in. loaf pans. , With a shallow pan of water in the bottom of the oven, bake at 275° for 2-1/2 hours or until cake tests done. Cover with foil during the last 30 minutes. , Cool 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely. Remove waxed paper and wrap each cake in foil. Place in plastic bags and store in a cool, dry place.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 360 calories, Fat 20g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 37mg cholesterol, Sodium 117mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (33g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

CHERRY PINEAPPLE FRUITCAKE



Cherry Pineapple Fruitcake image

This is the finishing touch to our Christmas dinner. My family always claimed they didn't like fruitcake, but they love this one! For the best flavor, let it sit overnight before slicing.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 2h5m

Yield 12-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup chopped candied cherries
1 cup chopped candied pineapple
2 cups chopped pecans
4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
6 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder

Steps:

  • In a bowl, combine the cherries, pineapple, pecans and 1 cup flour; set aside. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in vanilla. Combine baking powder and remaining flour; gradually add to creamed mixture. Fold in fruit mixture., Spoon into a greased and waxed paper-lined 10-in. tube pan. Bake at 300° for 1-3/4 to 2 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Remove waxed paper while warm; cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

  • Prep your fruits: Finely chop the cherries and dates, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
  • Soften your butter and cream cheese: Bring them to room temperature before creaming together. This will make them easier to mix and result in a smoother batter.
  • Cream the butter and cream cheese thoroughly: Beat them together until light and fluffy. This will incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a more tender cake.
  • Gradually add the sugar: Add it in small increments, beating well after each addition. This will prevent the sugar from crystallizing and ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Add the eggs one at a time: Beat well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. This will help prevent the batter from curdling.
  • Combine the dry ingredients: Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl before adding them to the wet ingredients. This will help ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Fold in the fruits: Gently mix the chopped cherries and dates into the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough cake.
  • Bake the cake at a moderate temperature: This will help prevent the cake from overcooking and drying out.
  • Cool the cake completely before frosting: This will help the frosting set properly and prevent it from melting.

Conclusion:

This Cherry Date Fruitcake is a delicious and festive treat that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture, rich flavor, and beautiful presentation, it is sure to impress your friends and family. The combination of cherries, dates, and nuts adds a unique and flavorful twist to this classic holiday dessert. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and will yield a stunning and delicious cake that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's start baking!

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