10+ Easy Fruitcake Recipes for Effortless Holiday Baking
Fruitcake often gets a bad reputation, but it can actually be a delightful treat when made right. Easy fruitcake recipes allow you to enjoy a moist and flavorful dessert without the hassle.
Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple family dinner, making a fruitcake at home can be both fun and rewarding.
With just a few ingredients, you can create a cake packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices that everyone will love. These recipes offer a simple way to celebrate traditions while adding your own personal touch. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
1) Simple No-Alcohol Christmas Fruitcake
This simple fruitcake recipe is perfect for the holiday season. It’s easy to make and does not contain any alcohol, making it great for everyone. You can enjoy it right after baking.
To start, you will need a mix of dried fruits and nuts. These ingredients add flavor and texture to your cake. The best part is that you can prepare it in just a few hours.
Baking time is around 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C). It will fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Once cooled, you can frost it or enjoy it plain.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries, and apricots)
- 1 cup nuts (walnuts or almonds)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, and oil until combined.
- Stir in orange juice and dried fruits.
- Add dry ingredients and nuts, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before serving.
2) One-Bowl Super Moist Fruitcake
Making a super moist fruitcake is easy when you use just one bowl. This simple recipe combines dried fruits, nuts, and just a few other ingredients. You’ll enjoy the delightful flavors without the fuss.
To start, gather your ingredients. You will need a saucepan, a bowl, and a spatula for mixing. After baking, let the fruitcake cool down before you slice it. This helps the flavors settle in.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and dried fruits. Bring to a boil and then let it cool.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Add the cooled fruit mixture and nuts to the dry ingredients. Stir well.
- Pour into a greased baking pan and bake for about 1 hour.
- Allow cooling before serving.
3) Dense and Rich Classic Holiday Fruitcake
A dense and rich classic holiday fruitcake is perfect for any festive gathering. This cake is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. It has a deep, satisfying flavor that many people love.
To make your fruitcake special, soak the fruits in brandy or orange juice. This step helps to enhance the taste and keeps the cake moist.
You’ll need to bake it at 300°F (150°C) for about two hours. Keep an eye on it to ensure it cooks evenly.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup brandy or orange juice
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Soak dried fruits in brandy or orange juice for several hours.
- Mix flour, sugar, and spices in a bowl.
- Add eggs and soaked fruits. Mix well.
- Pour batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for about two hours or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4) Grandma’s Spiced Nutty Fruitcake
Grandma’s Spiced Nutty Fruitcake is a warm and cozy treat. It’s packed with flavor and has a delightful mix of spices and nuts. You’ll love how simple and rewarding this recipe is.
Start by gathering your ingredients. You need a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and spices that come together wonderfully. The cake bakes to a beautiful golden brown, filling your home with a wonderful aroma.
For serving, slice it into pieces, and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of mixed dried fruit
- 1 cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 3/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 3 eggs
- 1/4 cup of milk
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and spices.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar.
- Add the eggs and milk, mixing well.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in the dried fruit and nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.
5) Easy Boiled Fruitcake with Demo Video
Making an easy boiled fruitcake is simple and fun. This recipe is perfect for beginners. You can find a helpful demo video here to guide you through the process.
To make this cake, you will need a few basic ingredients. Boiling the mixture before baking keeps the cake moist and flavorful. It’s a great way to mix different dried fruits and nuts.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fruit cake mix
- 125 g (about 1/2 cup) butter
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) bicarbonate soda
- 650 ml (about 2.5 cups) self-rising flour
Cooking Instructions
- Boil water, sugar, and butter in a pot.
- Add the fruit cake mix and bicarbonate soda.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Stir in the flour until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 45-50 minutes.
6) Quick Festive Batter Bread
Quick festive batter bread is a simple and delightful treat for any gathering. It mixes easily and includes a variety of fruits and nuts for added flavor. This bread is lighter than traditional fruitcake, making it a favorite for many.
You can use dried fruits like cranberries and apricots, which add sweetness and color. The recipe is easy to follow, and you can have it ready in no time.
You’ll love how this bread fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits and nuts
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in milk and oil until just combined.
- Fold in dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7) Pecan and Candied Pineapple Fruitcake
This pecan and candied pineapple fruitcake is a delightful mix of flavors. You’ll love the sweet and nutty taste in each bite. It’s perfect for celebrations or a cozy afternoon at home.
Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need flour, butter, sugar, eggs, chopped pecans, and candied pineapple. These ingredients come together to create a moist and rich cake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 1 ½ cups candied pineapple, chopped
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in the flour until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and candied pineapple.
- Pour the mixture into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8) Light and Tender Holiday Fruitcake
This Light and Tender Holiday Fruitcake is perfect for anyone who wants a delicious treat. It features a blend of soaked fruits that add moistness and flavor.
You can top it with marzipan and fondant for a festive finish. This cake is both fluffy and satisfying, making it a great addition to your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Grease and flour a cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in the vanilla and mix.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to wet ingredients.
- Fold in the dried fruit and nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9) 3-Hour Ready-to-Eat Fruitcake
Making a fruitcake doesn’t have to take all day. This 3-hour ready-to-eat fruitcake is quick and easy. You don’t need any electric mixers or alcohol, making it perfect for everyone.
To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll blend nuts, dried fruits, and spices for a delightful flavor. This cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family celebrations.
You’ll have a soft, moist cake that’s ready to enjoy in just three hours. It’s simple yet flavorful, and everyone will love it.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix the butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Fold in dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased pan.
- Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
10) Quick Everyday Fruit Loaf
Making a Quick Everyday Fruit Loaf is simple and rewarding. This recipe brings together a delightful mix of dried fruits, nuts, and a moist batter. It’s perfect for any tea time or snack.
You start by weighing your ingredients and mixing them together. After mixing, bake the loaf and soon your kitchen will smell amazing. This cake is both quick to prepare and delicious to eat.
It’s great for using up leftover dried fruits you have at home. You can enjoy this loaf fresh or toasted. Have a slice with butter or your favorite spread!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit
- 1 cup nuts (your choice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the dried fruit and nuts.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar together.
- Then, add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Next, fold in the fruit and nut mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before slicing and serving.