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Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake

Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake

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Indulge in the delightful flavors of Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake—a spiced, fruit-filled treat that’s perfect for holiday celebrations. This cake combines rich molasses with a medley of dried fruits and nuts, creating an irresistible dessert that’s sure to impress. With warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, every bite offers a comforting taste of tradition. Not only is this cake easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, but it also benefits from aging, allowing its flavors to deepen over time. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with family and friends, this unique twist on classic fruitcake will become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, or chopped dried cherries)
  • 1/2 cup candied citrus peel, chopped
  • 1/4 cup vanilla extract (alcohol-free) or apple juice for soaking

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
  3. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time.
  4. Stir in molasses and buttermilk (and optional soaking liquid if using).
  5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Fold in the chopped nuts and mixed dried fruits until evenly distributed.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 75 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Allow cooling for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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