Homemade Fruit Cake
If you’ve been craving a homemade fruit cake that is soft, moist, and filled with bursts of fruity sweetness, this recipe is your go-to for family gatherings, holidays, or cozy afternoons with a cup of coffee. Made with orange juice, brown sugar, and rich butter, this fruit cake is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for sharing.
For more easy and comforting recipes, try our Homemade Fire Roasted Salsa that’s a hit for gatherings and quick desserts on www.brandirecipes.com.
Why People Love This Homemade Fruit Cake
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It’s soft, moist, and packed with fruity flavors.
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Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
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Perfect for holidays, tea-time, or gifting.
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Can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day.
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Easy to customize with nuts or dried fruits you have on hand.
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
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1/2 cup (115g) melted butter
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries, cranberries)
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1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
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Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper or grease well with butter.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well. Pour in orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
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Combine and Fold
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the dried fruits and nuts gently using a spatula.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations
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Soak the dried fruits in orange juice for an hour before baking for extra moisture.
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Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
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Substitute orange juice with apple juice if preferred.
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Top with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and orange juice for extra sweetness.
Check out our Classic Fish & Seafood Recipes for a quick, protein-packed breakfast that complements this cake perfectly.
Storage
Store the homemade fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. This cake also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before serving.
Time & Yield
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Bake Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 55 minutes
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Yield: 8-10 servings
Equipment Used
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk and spatula
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8-inch round cake pan
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Parchment paper (optional)
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Zester for fresh orange zest
Why This Homemade Fruit Cake is Worth Baking
This homemade fruit cake is a timeless recipe that you can rely on for creating warm family moments, holiday gifts, and sweet tea-time treats. It’s easy to make, requires minimal preparation, and delivers on flavor and texture every time.
Before you go, discover our Cherry Pie Bars for a soft, fluffy morning treat your family will love.
External Resource
For more inspiration on fruit cakes and variations, check out AllRecipes Fruit Cake Ideas.
Final Thoughts
Baking a homemade fruit cake is not just about a recipe; it’s about creating memories, sharing love, and enjoying a moist, fruity delight that everyone will appreciate. Serve it warm, pair it with tea, or share it with friends and neighbors to brighten their day.
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If you try this recipe, leave a comment on www.brandirecipes.com to let us know how it turned out, and don’t forget to explore our other comforting recipes to elevate your baking journey.
Title: Homemade Fruit Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar, then add eggs one at a time.
- Add orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest, whisking to combine.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
For extra moisture, soak dried fruits in orange juice for 30 minutes before using. Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note. Substitute apple juice for orange juice if desired. This cake tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for preparing ahead. Explore our Baked Cheese Eggs for a protein-rich breakfast pairing.