fruitcakes. Pecans, apricots, dates and cherries

Fruitcake with Pecans, Apricots, Dates & Cherries

Ingredients:

Fruit & Nuts:

• 1 cup dried apricots, chopped

• 1 cup pitted dates, chopped

• 1 cup red or green glacé cherries (or maraschino), halved

• 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to toss with fruits/nuts)

Cake Batter:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 4 large eggs

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

• ¼ cup orange juice (or rum/brandy for extra flavor)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a loaf pan (9×5 inches) or an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

2. Prepare fruit and nuts:

   • In a medium bowl, toss chopped apricots, dates, cherries, and pecans with 2 tbsp flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter. Set aside.

3. Make batter:

   • In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

   • Beat in eggs, one at a time.

   • Mix in the orange juice (or rum/brandy) and vanilla extract.

4. Combine dry ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups flour, baking powder, salt, and spices (if using).

5. Combine everything:

   • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

   • Fold in the prepared fruit and nut mixture.

6. Bake:

   • Spoon batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

   • Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool & Store:

   • Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

   • For best flavor, wrap in foil or plastic wrap and let it rest for a day or two before slicing.

Optional:

• Brush the cooled cake with rum or brandy for a more traditional soaked fruitcake experience.

• Decorate the top with whole pecans and cherries before baking for a festive look.

Let me know if you want a gluten-free version or want to convert it into mini loaves!