This Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake is a timeless treasure that has graced holiday tables for generations. Loaded with dried fruits, candied citrus, and warm spices, it’s the perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and nostalgia. Not only is it a delicious way to celebrate the festive season, but it also gets better with time, making it the ultimate make-ahead treat.
Sound like your kind of holiday magic? Let me guide you through every step so you can make this at home! And don’t forget to subscribe to receive more heirloom recipes straight to your inbox.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Bursting with Flavor: Each bite is an explosion of fruit, nuts, and aromatic spices.
- Moist and Dense: The perfect texture for slicing and savoring.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen as it rests, making it the ideal holiday preparation.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite dried fruits or nuts to make it your own.
Creative Variations to Try
While this recipe is already a masterpiece, here are some creative twists you can try to make it uniquely yours:
- Chocolate Twist: Add ½ cup of mini dark chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent touch.
- Spiced Boost: Experiment with cardamom or allspice to enhance the warming spice profile.
- Tropical Flair: Replace some of the dried fruits with diced dried pineapple, mango, or coconut flakes.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
- Drizzle It Up: Add a sweet glaze made from powdered sugar, orange juice, and a hint of vanilla to finish with a glossy, citrusy topping.
Let your imagination (and your pantry!) guide you. These variations allow you to personalize the cake to your taste or the preferences of your loved ones.
The Taste
Imagine the warming spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves mingling with zesty citrus and sweet dried fruits, all held together by a buttery, moist cake. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling like a Christmas wonderland!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Fruit Mixture:
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup dried apricots, chopped
- ½ cup candied orange peel, finely diced
- ½ cup candied lemon peel, finely diced
- ½ cup dark rum or brandy (for soaking)
For the Cake Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Loaf pan or 8-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Wire rack for cooling
How to Make Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake
Step 1: Soak the Fruit
- In a medium bowl, combine the dried fruits and candied citrus peels.
- Pour in the rum or brandy, mix well, and cover. Let the mixture soak for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line your baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and citrus zests.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Step 3: Fold in Fruits and Nuts
- Gently fold the soaked fruits (along with any leftover liquid) and the chopped nuts into the batter. Mix until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Add a Glossy Glaze
Brush the cooled cake with additional rum or brandy. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest for 1–2 days to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
- Top with glazed cherries and nuts for a festive presentation.
- Pair with mulled wine, coffee, or tea for a cozy holiday vibe.
Tips for Success
- Soak Long Enough: Soaking the fruit overnight ensures plumpness and rich flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Store Properly: Wrapped tightly, this cake lasts for weeks and improves with age.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake alcohol-free?
Yes! Substitute the rum or brandy with apple juice or orange juice for soaking.
Q: What’s the best way to store this cake?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
Wrap-Up 🎁
This Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a heartfelt nod to tradition and the magic of sharing homemade goodness during the holidays. Whether you’re gifting it to loved ones or serving it at your festive table, it’s sure to become a cherished staple in your recipe collection.
Looking for more holiday inspiration? Try these:
- Spiced Christmas Stollen
- Classic Gingerbread Cookies
- Glazed Cinnamon Rolls
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review below and share your creations on Pinterest. Happy baking! 🎄
