Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of the Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake, a timeless dessert that beautifully embodies the holiday spirit. This moist cake is bursting with a medley of dried fruits and nuts, accented by aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves. The unique combination of molasses and buttermilk not only enriches the cake’s texture but also enhances its flavor profile, making it a memorable centerpiece for any festive gathering. Perfectly suited for both special occasions and everyday enjoyment, this cake can be customized to your liking by swapping out different fruits and nuts. Let it age for a couple of weeks to deepen its flavors, creating an irresistible treat that friends and family will cherish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, or chopped dried cherries)
- 1/2 cup candied citrus peel, chopped
- 1/4 cup apple juice for soaking
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9×5 inch baking pan.
- In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light; add eggs one at a time.
- Mix molasses and buttermilk into the butter mixture until combined.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture without overmixing; fold in fruits and nuts.
- Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top; bake for about 75 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg