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Traditional Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake Recipe

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Indulge in the rich, nostalgic flavors of the holidays with this Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake. Packed with an abundance of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, this moist and tender cake is a festive classic. Perfect for gifting or serving as the centerpiece of your holiday dessert table, it embodies tradition and comfort. The secret to its depth of flavor lies in the blend of soaked fruits and the slow baking process, which ensures every slice is perfectly spiced and irresistibly tender. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a holiday enthusiast, this recipe guarantees a delightful experience that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, candied orange peel)
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • ½ cup dark rum or orange juice (for soaking)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk

For Optional Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Fruit:

  • Combine dried fruits and nuts in a bowl. Pour rum or orange juice over the mixture, stir, and let soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.

2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

3️⃣ Cream the Butter and Sugar:

  • In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

4️⃣ Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

  • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Fold in the soaked fruits and nuts.

5️⃣ Bake the Cake:

  • Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a loaf pan or bundt pan with parchment paper. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

6️⃣ Cool and Glaze:

  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. If using glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, then drizzle over the cooled cake.

Notes

  • Soaking the fruits overnight enhances flavor.
  • Wrap the cake tightly in foil for storage—it tastes even better after a few days.

Keywords: Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake, holiday dessert, traditional fruitcake recipe, spiced fruit cake, Christmas baking.

Find it online: https://inqelab.com/traditional-old-fashioned-german-fruit-cake-recipe/