Never Fail Fruit Cake (Old-Fashioned Style)

why make this recipe

Never Fail Fruit Cake is a delightful treat that brings joy to many during the festive season. This old-fashioned recipe is cherished for its rich flavors and hearty texture. With a mix of dried fruits and nuts, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. You can’t go wrong with a cake that has stood the test of time, making it a must-have for any holiday gathering or special occasion.

how to make Never Fail Fruit Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed dried fruits
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup brandy or rum

Directions:

1. Assemble all ingredients on a clean workspace.
2. Measure and chop dried fruits and nuts into bite-sized pieces.
3. Soften butter at room temperature for easy creaming.
4. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
5. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
6. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition.
7. Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl.
8. Gradually mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients, alternating with orange juice.
9. Gently fold in dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed.
10. Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
11. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
12. Bake for 60-75 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

how to serve Never Fail Fruit Cake

Never Fail Fruit Cake is best served at room temperature. You can slice it and enjoy it plain or with a clatter of whipped cream on top. It pairs well with coffee or tea, making it a perfect snack or dessert for any time of day.

how to store Never Fail Fruit Cake

To keep your fruit cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help preserve its moistness and flavor. If you plan to keep it for a longer time, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in the fridge is a great option. You can also freeze it for up to three months if necessary.

tips to make Never Fail Fruit Cake

• Always use room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, to ensure even mixing.
• Feel free to customize the dried fruits and nuts according to your preference or what you have on hand.
• Ensure that the cake is baked fully by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is done.

variation

You can add a bit of zest by including grated orange or lemon peel in the batter. Also, try swapping the brandy or rum with fruit juice if you’d like a non-alcoholic version.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
Fresh fruits have too much moisture and can affect the texture of the cake. Stick to dried fruits for the best results.

2. How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You can also check if the sides are pulling away from the pan.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, letting it sit for a few days enhances the flavors. Just remember to store it properly to keep it fresh.

Never Fail Fruit Cake

A delightful old-fashioned fruit cake filled with mixed dried fruits and nuts, perfect for the festive season and sharing with loved ones.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter Softened at room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs At room temperature
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup brandy or rum Optional, can substitute with fruit juice

Add-ins

• 2 cups mixed dried fruits Chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup chopped nuts Chopped to your liking

Method

 

Preparation

1. Assemble all ingredients on a clean workspace.
2. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
3. Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Mixing

1. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition.
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl.
4. Gradually mix dry ingredients with wet ingredients, alternating with orange juice.
5. Gently fold in dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed.

Baking

1. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake for 60-75 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Notes

Serve at room temperature plain or with whipped cream. Pairs well with coffee or tea. Store in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor. Can be frozen for up to three months.