Best 4 Grandmas Fruit Cake Recipes

Indulge in the timeless tradition of holiday baking with Grandma's Fruit Cake, a classic dessert that has stood the test of time. This delectable treat is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring a moist and dense crumb studded with an abundance of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Each bite offers a delightful burst of sweetness, tartness, and warmth, making it a perfect accompaniment to your festive gatherings.

The article presents a collection of meticulously crafted recipes that cater to diverse preferences and skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting, you'll find a recipe that suits your expertise and time constraints. From the traditional Dark Fruit Cake, brimming with molasses, brown sugar, and a medley of dried fruits, to the lighter and more contemporary White Fruit Cake, showcasing the delicate flavors of citrus zest and dried cranberries, there's a recipe for every palate.

For those who prefer a gluten-free option, the article offers a dedicated recipe that delivers all the classic flavors without compromising on texture or taste. And for those with a penchant for boozy treats, the Grand Marnier Fruit Cake, infused with the exquisite orange liqueur, promises a delightful twist on the classic.

Each recipe is meticulously explained with step-by-step instructions, ensuring successful baking outcomes even for beginners. Tips and variations are also provided to guide you in customizing the cake to your liking. Whether you choose to decorate it with a traditional marzipan and royal icing or opt for a simpler dusting of powdered sugar, the article provides all the necessary guidance to create a visually stunning and mouthwatering masterpiece.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a journey through time as you recreate Grandma's Fruit Cake, a cherished tradition that will warm hearts and create lasting memories for generations to come.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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

Ingredients

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 LEACH'S FRUITCAKE

Grandma Leach's Fruitcake image

My grandmother and mother made these cakes for years. They are moist but don't contain eggs. Applesauce is the secret ingredient. I sold these at bake sales for years and we had many customers who returned every year just to get one.

Provided by GAREYSGAL

Categories Desserts Cakes Holiday Cake Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 48

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cloves
3 cups unsweetened applesauce
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped pitted dates
1 pound candied mixed fruit
2 cups chopped walnuts
½ cup walnut halves
1 cup halved candied cherries

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch tube pan and one 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and cloves into a large bowl. Stir in the applesauce and oil, then mix in the raisins, dates, mixed fruit and 2 cups of walnuts. Pour into the prepared pans. Pans should be about 3/4 full if using mini pans, or an assortment.
Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the crown of the cake comes out clean.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 209.7 calories, Carbohydrate 34.8 g, Fat 7.7 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 2.4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 131.9 mg, Sugar 16.2 g

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

Ingredients

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

GRANDMA'S FRUITCAKE

Grandma's Fruitcake image

Grandma's Fruitcake recipe is so yummy. If you're looking for an easy way to make this old fashioned marinated fruit bread, this is it!

Provided by The Typical Mom

Categories Breakfast Dessert

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 stick butter (softened)
1 3/4 c sugar
3 eggs
2 c all purpose flour
1 c pecans (chopped)
1 lb fruitcake fruit
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla

Steps:

You will use one 9x5" loaf pan for this. Spray inside with non stick spray lightly and shake some flour in while patting it around so it slides out nicely when done. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
In a bowl whisk sugar, eggs, vanilla together and then add softened butter and whisk until smooth.
In another bowl whisk together dry ingredients. Then slowly incorporate this into your butter, wet, mixture.
Gently fold in fruit and pecans so it is incorporated nicely. Then pour batter into your pan and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pan on wire rack for 15 minutes, then loosen slides with a knife and slide out. Set that on your cooling rack to completely cool.
Slice and serve.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 oz, Calories 330 kcal, Carbohydrate 46 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 61 mg, Sodium 181 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 30 g, UnsaturatedFat 8 g

Tips:

Use a variety of dried fruits and nuts for a more flavorful fruitcake. Some popular options include raisins, cranberries, cherries, apricots, walnuts, pecans, and almonds.
Soak the dried fruits in rum, brandy, or another type of alcohol for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the batter. This will help to plump up the fruits and add extra flavor to the cake.
Use dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to the batter for extra warmth and flavor.
Bake the fruitcake at a low temperature (250 degrees Fahrenheit) for a long time (3-4 hours). This will help to prevent the cake from drying out.
Let the fruitcake cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and storing it in a cool, dark place. The cake will continue to mature and develop flavor over time.

Conclusion:

Grandma's fruit cake is a classic holiday treat that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone. With its moist texture, rich flavor, and festive appearance, this cake is perfect for any special occasion. So next time you're looking for a delicious and festive dessert, give Grandma's fruit cake a try. You won't be disappointed!