Best 3 Mamas Poor Man Fruitcake Recipes

Indulge in a taste of nostalgia with Mama's Poor Man Fruitcake, a delightful treat that combines simple ingredients and a touch of history. This classic recipe, passed down through generations, offers a budget-friendly alternative to traditional fruitcakes, making it a cherished favorite among those who appreciate economical and flavorful desserts. The recipe's variations include a traditional version, a gluten-free option, and a unique Poor Man's Fruitcake Roll, each promising a unique culinary experience. Embark on a culinary journey with Mama's Poor Man Fruitcake, a testament to the power of simple ingredients and the enduring legacy of cherished family recipes.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

POOR MANS CAKE III

Poor Mans Cake III image

This recipe if from the l930's. My Grandmother gave it to my Mother and she gave it to me. Now I am a grandmother and passed it down to my kids. It's really good. You don't have to dirty your mixer for this one, just a big bowl.

Provided by Jill D

Categories Desserts Cakes Fruitcake Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups raisins
2 cups water
¾ cup shortening
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
3 cups all-purpose flour

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
In a saucepan mix brown sugar, raisins, water and shortening. Bring to a boil and boil 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. When raisin mixture is cool, add to dry ingredients and mix well to combine.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 or 40 minutes. Do not over bake or it will be too dry. Test after 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of cake should come out clean.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 186.4 calories, Carbohydrate 30.9 g, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 206.3 mg, Sugar 16.1 g

POOR MAN'S FRUIT CAKE

Poor Man's Fruit cake image

Family favorite for 3 generations.

Provided by michalene winkler

Categories Sweet Breads

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 c shortening
2 c sugar
2 c black coffee (cold)
1 c water
1 1/2 c chopped nuts and dates
1 pinch salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp clove, ground
1/2 tsp allspice, ground
2 lb raisins

Steps:

1. Put all these 11 ingredients in a lg sausepan and bring to a simmer for about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Then add 2 tsp baking soda that you disolve in a little warm water (to cooled mixture)Stir well.
2. Add enough flour to mixture to make a stiff mix. Add nuts. (Most times my fruitcake is really poor (no nuts)
3. Bake 350* til toothpick comes out clean from centers. Makes 7 small loaves or 3 regular size

BOILED CAKE ( POOR MAN'S FRUITCAKE)

Boiled Cake ( Poor Man's Fruitcake) image

Make and share this Boiled Cake ( Poor Man's Fruitcake) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by CJAY8248

Categories Dessert

Time 1h10m

Yield 4 loaves, 24-30 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
1 cup shortening (Crisco)
1 -2 lb raisins (and or 1 lb. diced dates)
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups boiling water (1/2 cup brandy can be used)
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup walnuts (coarsely chopped)

Steps:

Boil sugar, shortening, raisins, salt, and water (do not boil dates). Add dry ingredients, dates and walnuts to the boiled mixture. Bake at 325* in (2) 8"x8"x2" pans or in (1) 13"x9"x2" pan for 60-75 minutes. Allow to cool and divide into 4 "loaves". Wrap well and store. Serve sliced and plain or with hard sauce. This cake will stay moist for many months, but keeps best when moistened with rum or brandy.

Tips:

- Use a variety of dried fruits for a more complex flavor. Consider using a combination of raisins, cranberries, cherries, and apricots. - If you don't have any candied fruit, you can use chopped nuts instead. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are all good choices. - Be sure to soak the dried fruit in hot water before adding it to the batter. This will help to plump up the fruit and make it more flavorful. - Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense cake. - Bake the cake in a greased and floured bundt pan. This will help to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan. - Let the cake cool completely before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop and the cake to set.

Conclusion:

Mama's Poor Man Fruitcake is an easy and delicious holiday treat. With its moist texture, rich flavor, and festive appearance, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a simple but impressive dessert, give Mama's Poor Man Fruitcake a try. You won't be disappointed!