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Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake

Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake

Indulge in the warmth of the holiday season with our Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake, a delightful spiced dessert that shines at any gathering. This cake combines rich flavors of molasses and buttermilk with a medley of dried fruits and nuts, providing a nostalgic treat perfect for festive celebrations or cozy family dinners. Allow it to age for a week or two to enhance its flavor profile, making each slice more delicious over time. Whether served alone or paired with whipped cream, ice cream, or warm berry sauce, this cake is sure to be a favorite among family and friends.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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
  • Optional: 1/4 cup vanilla extract (alcohol-free) or apple juice for soaking

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour your baking pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Whisk until well blended.
  3. In another bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. To the butter mixture, stir in molasses and buttermilk gently until combined. If using vanilla extract or apple juice, add it now.
  5. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in chopped nuts, mixed dried fruits, and candied citrus peel.
  7. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and bake in preheated oven for about 75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Author: Emmeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Soak dried fruits in apple juice for added moisture. Allow the cake to age for enhanced flavors; wrap tightly in an airtight container.

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