Is there anything more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked fruitcake filling your home during the holiday season? If you’re looking to add a delightful twist to this classic treat, why not try making an Orange Slice Fruitcake? This recipe combines the traditional flavors of fruitcake with the bright and citrusy notes of orange slices, resulting in a wonderfully festive and flavorful dessert that will be sure to impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get baking!
**Orange Slice Fruitcake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup chopped dates
– 1 cup chopped orange slices
– 1 cup raisins
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 cup candied cherries
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 4 eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup bourbon (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped pecans, dates, orange slices, raisins, cranberries, apricots, and candied cherries. Mix well and set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, and bourbon (if using) until evenly incorporated.
8. Gently fold in the mixed fruits and nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
9. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
10. Bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Allow the fruitcake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy a slice of this Orange Slice Fruitcake with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and festive treat that will surely brighten up your holiday gatherings. The combination of the sweet and tangy orange slices with the rich assortment of dried fruits and nuts makes this fruitcake a delightful addition to your dessert table. Whether you serve it as a dessert or give it as a homemade gift, this Orange Slice Fruitcake is a delicious way to spread holiday cheer. Happy baking!
