Easy Fruitcake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan (or use a loaf pan for a more traditional fruitcake shape) with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
2. In a small bowl, combine your mixed dried fruit and chopped nuts. If you’re using larger pieces of dried fruit (like apricots), chop them into smaller chunks to make the cake easier to slice.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
3. Add the orange juice and liquor (if using) to the batter and mix until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 3: Combine Fruit and Nuts with the Batter

1. Gently fold the dried fruit and nuts into the batter until evenly distributed. This will give the fruitcake a nice, even texture and help the fruits and nuts stay suspended in the batter while baking.

Step 4: Bake the Fruitcake

1. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
2. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
3. Let the fruitcake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the fruitcake is cooled, slice it into squares or slices and serve! You can enjoy it right away, or for even more flavor, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and let it sit for a day or two to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips for the Best Easy Fruitcake

• Soak the Dried Fruit: For an even more flavorful fruitcake, you can soak your dried fruit in the brandy, rum, or orange juice for a few hours before mixing them into the batter. This adds extra depth and keeps the fruit moist.
• Use Your Favorite Dried Fruits: You can mix and match dried fruits based on your preference. Raisins, dried apricots, dates, cranberries, and figs all make great additions to this fruitcake.
• Keep It Moist: If you want to keep the fruitcake moist, you can brush it with a little brandy or rum once it’s baked. This is especially great if you want to gift the fruitcake or store it for later.
• Add Citrus Zest: For an extra pop of flavor, add some fresh orange or lemon zest to the batter for a hint of citrus.

Variations of Easy Fruitcake

• Spiced Fruitcake: Add ground ginger, allspice, or cloves to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of spice.
• Tropical Fruitcake: Use dried pineapple, mango, and coconut to create a tropical version of this fruitcake.
• Vegan Fruitcake: Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or a store-bought egg replacer. Use a non-dairy milk instead of the orange juice and substitute the applesauce for a plant-based option.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Fruitcake is a simple yet delicious version of the holiday classic. With its moist texture, packed with fruits and nuts, it’s the perfect treat for the holiday season. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea, coffee, or as part of a festive meal, this fruitcake will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. And the best part? It’s easy to make and customize to your liking!