Holiday Delight Fruitcake

This holiday season, delight your family and friends with a homemade treat that’s sure to spread some cheer and warmth. Our Holiday Delight Fruitcake recipe is a classic favorite that combines rich flavors with a moist, dense texture that will have your guests coming back for more. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, this fruitcake is perfect for festive gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying by the fire with a cup of tea.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 cup dried cherries
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup golden raisins
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup brandy or orange juice
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the dried apricots, cherries, cranberries, raisins, walnuts, and pecans. Pour the brandy or orange juice over the mixture, cover, and let it soak overnight to allow the fruits to plump up and absorb the flavors.

2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan.

3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, orange zest, and lemon zest.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Gently fold in the soaked fruit and nut mixture until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Allow the fruitcake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. For an extra touch of holiday spirit, you can brush the top of the fruitcake with additional brandy or orange juice while it’s still warm.

Slice and serve this Holiday Delight Fruitcake with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a festive and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any celebration. You can also wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon to give as gifts to family and friends. Enjoy the flavors and aromas of the holiday season with this delightful fruitcake recipe that’s bound to become a beloved tradition in your home. Happy baking!