Description
This Never Fail Fruit Cake is an old-fashioned classic that truly lives up to its name. Rich, moist, and bursting with candied fruit and warm spices, it’s the kind of holiday treat that brings back nostalgic memories of cozy kitchens and family gatherings. Whether you make it ahead to age or serve it fresh, this reliable recipe delivers perfect results every time no guesswork, no stress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 32 oz (2 lbs) mixed dried fruit
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans – optional but traditional)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup butter (softened) or margarine
- ½ cup orange juice (or apple juice for a milder flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan or two smaller ones with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Fruit Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit and nuts. Toss with a tablespoon of flour to help prevent them from sinking during baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add Liquids: Stir in the orange juice and vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine Everything: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the fruit and nut mixture evenly.
- Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan(s), smoothing the top. Bake for 2½–3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Bake slowly at a low temperature to ensure even cooking and a moist texture.
- To test doneness, insert a long toothpick or skewer into the center it should come out clean.
- Aging the cake enhances flavor dramatically; even a few days of resting makes a difference.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2½–3 hours
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Traditional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: never fail fruit cake, old-fashioned fruit cake, Christmas cake, holiday dessert, moist fruitcake, traditional baking