Best 3 Grandma Betties Light Fruit Cake Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with Grandma Betty's Light Fruit Cake, a timeless classic perfected over generations. This treasured recipe strikes a harmonious balance between indulgence and moderation, making it a guilt-free pleasure for every occasion. With a moist and tender crumb studded with a symphony of candied fruits, nuts, and spices, each bite is an explosion of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. The secret lies in the use of natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup, which impart a subtle sweetness without overpowering the fruit's inherent flavors. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, Grandma Betty's Light Fruit Cake is a recipe that can be easily mastered, promising a homemade masterpiece that will impress family and friends alike.

Accompanying this cherished recipe are three irresistibly fruity variations that cater to diverse preferences. The Blueberry-Lemon Fruit Cake bursts with vibrant blueberries and zesty lemon, while the Orange-Cranberry Fruit Cake offers a tangy and refreshing twist. For those who love tropical flavors, the Pineapple-Coconut Fruit Cake is a delectable treat, featuring succulent pineapple and toasted coconut. Each variation is meticulously crafted to showcase the unique characteristics of the featured fruits, resulting in a symphony of flavors that will delight even the most discerning palate.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

GRANDMA BETTY'S FAMILY FRUIT CAKE



GRANDMA BETTY'S FAMILY FRUIT CAKE image

This recipe was passed down through the years and given to me by my Grandmother, Elizabeth Lydiard. We called her Grandma Betty. She passed away in 2001. She would have been thrilled to see it here on Just a Pinch. I have no idea how old this recipe is but my Grandmother was born in 1910. My mother and I perfected the mixing...

Provided by Deborah Gonzalez

Categories     Cakes

Time 2h30m

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 c all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 c sugar
5 large egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp almond extract
1 lb pitted dates
1/2 lb whole red cherries / candied
1/2 lb whole green cherries / candied
1/2 lb pineapple pieces / candied
3 c whole walnuts

Steps:

  • 1. Oven should be preheated to 250 (yes that is correct - 250) and cooking time is 2 hours (yes, 2 hours). Prep time is about 30 minutes. You will need 5-6 Mini Loaf Pans approximately 5" x 3" in size, I used 6.
  • 2. Bowl #1 - Mix flour, baking powder and sugar, SET ASIDE
  • 3. Bowl #2 - Mix Eggs, Vanilla extract and Almond extract together, SET ASIDE
  • 4. Bowl #3 - Mix Dates, Cherries (RED AND GREEN), Pineapple (get the largest pieces you can find, not whole but not the bits either) and Nuts together, SET ASIDE. (note: I have also used Pecans - either or both are excellent) NOTE #1: BE SURE to SET ASIDE 3 CHERRIES for EACH mini Pan to go ON TOP of each cake before cooking. NOTE #2: I do not add all the syrup from the candied fruit, I do my best to remove the candied fruit from the containers leaving behind the goo. I do not rinse the fruit.
  • 5. Follow this order for easiest blending of above ingredients - Mix Bowl #1 and Bowl #2 together. Be sure to get a creamy, no lumps remaining, smooth consistency. I use a large spatula to achieve best blend.
  • 6. REMINDER: BEFORE YOU FOLD BOWL #3 into the BATTER created by BOWL #1 & BOWL #2 - BE SURE to set aside three cherries for each fruit cake to put on top of each mini loaf before they go in the oven. THEN, fold ingredients of Bowl #3 into your above blended batter.
  • 7. Spray your individual mini loaf pans (as seen in photo) with a cooking spray of your choice.
  • 8. Scoop out enough batter to fill each tin. Do not over fill. This recipe will fill 6 individual mini tins nicely. NOW - ADD THE SET ASIDE CHERRIES to the top of your loaf pan now filled with the completed batter to accent your creation.
  • 9. Place the tins on a large cookie sheet (for easiest in and out placement to oven) AND BAKE - 250 slow oven for 2 hours.
  • 10. When finished, remove from oven and let cook on wire rack.
  • 11. I leave the fruit cake in the pans, and then put the pretty little Fruit Cakes in a fancy clear food type gift bag or wrap in clear plastic wrap and add a bow so everyone can see your delicious treat when you present it to them.

GRANDMA'S MOLASSES FRUITCAKE



Grandma's Molasses Fruitcake image

This dense, dark, moist fruitcake was my grandmother's recipe. The flavor just gets better and better as it sits in the fridge, so be sure to make it ahead! -Debbie Harmon, Lavina, Montana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h40m

Yield 3 loaves (16 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 12

3-1/4 cups dried currants
2-2/3 cups raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
2/3 cup chopped candied citron or candied lemon peel
4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups packed brown sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup molasses
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves
1 cup strong brewed coffee

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300°. Grease and flour three 9x5-in. loaf pans. Line bottoms with waxed paper; grease and flour the paper. Combine currants, raisins, walnuts, candied citron and 1/4 cup flour. Toss to coat; set aside., Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in molasses. In another bowl, whisk baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and remaining flour; add to creamed mixture alternately with coffee. Stir into currant mixture and mix well., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. Wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator for at least 2 days to blend flavors. Slice and bring to room temperature before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 210 calories, Fat 6g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 79mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (28g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

GRANDMA LEONE'S FRUIT CAKE



Grandma Leone's Fruit Cake image

Don't get this cake confused with the traditional fruit cake. It is so much more. This recipe has been handed down for 3 generations and I now want to share it with all of you. Don't get nervous with all the ingredients. Everything gets hand-mixed in 1 great big bowl.

Provided by Debbie Ries

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Holiday Cake Recipes

Time 2h10m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 cups water
1 ½ cups raisins
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 ½ tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 pound pecan halves
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
1 ½ cups canola oil
4 eggs, beaten
3 cups candied fruit

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 8x8-inch baking pans.
  • Bring water and raisins to a boil in a saucepan; cook until raisins are plump, about 2 minutes. Drain and cool raisins; reserve raisin water.
  • Mix 3 cups flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl. Place pecans and 2 tablespoons flour in a resealable plastic bag; close and shake bag until pecans are coated. Pour pecans into a colander and shake off excess flour.
  • Whisk sugar, oil, eggs, and cooled raisin water together in a bowl; fold in candied fruit. Stir flour mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, into sugar mixture until fully incorporated; fold in raisins and pecans. Fill the prepared pans a little over half full.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Lower temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C); bake until a knife inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 more hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 620.5 calories, Carbohydrate 77.7 g, Cholesterol 37.2 mg, Fat 34.5 g, Fiber 4.5 g, Protein 5.8 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 465.4 mg, Sugar 28.4 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality, fresh ingredients to ensure the best flavor in your fruitcake.
  • Soak the fruit overnight in brandy or rum to plump them up and enhance their flavor.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture.
  • Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to prevent curdling.
  • Sift the flour and baking powder together to ensure even distribution and prevent lumps.
  • Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense texture.
  • Pour the batter into a greased and floured pan and bake at the specified temperature for the recommended time, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the fruitcake to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and storing it in a cool, dry place for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Before serving, decorate the fruitcake with a light dusting of powdered sugar, glace cherries, or chopped nuts for a festive touch.

Conclusion:

Grandma Betty's Light Fruit Cake is a classic holiday treat that is easy to make and loved by people of all ages. With its moist texture, rich flavor, and festive appearance, this fruitcake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. By following these tips and the detailed recipe instructions, you can create a delicious and memorable fruitcake that will be enjoyed by your family and friends for years to come.

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