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Grandma’s Fruit Cake Recipe

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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings 12 slices

Ingredients
  

  • Dry Ingredients
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Fruit and Nuts
  • 1 cup chopped dates
  • 1 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 1 cup raisins or sultanas
  • ½ cup chopped candied cherries
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Optional: 2 tbsp brandy or rum for soaking
  • Optional Glaze
  • 2 tbsp apricot jam warmed

Instructions
 

  • If using alcohol, soak chopped fruits in brandy or rum for at least 2 hours or overnight
  • Whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) in a bowl; set aside
  • Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy
  • Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in orange juice and vanilla
  • Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined
  • Gently fold in fruits and nuts evenly
  • Grease and line a 9-inch pan; pour in batter and smooth top
  • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake 2–2½ hours until a toothpick comes out clean; cover with foil if browning too fast
  • Cool 10–15 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack
  • Brush top with warmed apricot jam if desired