Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 5 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup candied fruit peel, chopped
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, apricots, etc.)
- 1/2 cup dark rum or orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan or loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the walnuts, candied fruit peel, dried fruits, rum (or orange juice), and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the fruitcake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Add More Spices: For extra flavor, try adding ground ginger or cloves for a more complex spice profile.
- Add More Fruits: Customize with dried pineapple, mango, or cranberries for an added twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
