How to Make an Old Fashioned Fruit Cake from Scratch

Make homemade fruit cake a holiday tradition.

Contrary to belief, many people enjoy eating fruit cakes, especially those made fresh, the old fashioned way. Use this recipe during the holiday season or any time to make your own, made from scratch, fruit cake.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups of all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups of sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon of cloves
• 1 1/2 cups of applesauce
• 1/2 cup of shortening
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup of nuts
• 3/4 cup of dates
• 1 cup of raisins
• 8 ounce container of candied fruit
• 1 tablespoon of chopped nuts
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar

1. Mix the flour, sugar, soda, salt and spices in a large mixing bowl. Sift it together, or take a fork and stir it around until it's mixed well.

2. Add the applesauce and shortening, and stir together.

3. Beat with a mixer for two minutes on low speed, then add the two eggs. Continue to beat for another two minutes.

4. Fold in the remaining fruit -- the dates, raisins and candied fruit -- and the cup of nuts.

5. Grease a tube or bundt pan, and pour the batter into it.

6. Sprinkle the top of the batter with the 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts and the 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. You can use light or dark brown sugar.

7. Bake it for 1 1/2 hours at 360 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Let it sit a few days before serving for best flavor, brushing occasionally with orange juice if you like a moister cake.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the type of nuts you like best; pecans or walnuts are good choices.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens: Dried-Fruit Fruitcake Recipe
• Good Housekeeping: Paula Deen Recipe: Grandmomma Paul's Japanese Fruitcake