Luscious Moist Fruitcake Recipe – A Holiday Classic Made Easy

Rich, dense, and full of warm spices and sweet fruit, this Luscious Moist Fruitcake is everything you want from a traditional holiday dessert—but with a lighter touch. Using smart substitutions like unsweetened applesauce and naturally sweet dried fruits, it delivers the same comforting flavor in a more balanced way. Perfect for celebrations, gift-giving, or enjoying with a warm cup of tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist & Flavorful: Packed with plump dried fruit, spices, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Healthier Ingredients: Uses applesauce, whole wheat flour, and less sugar without losing richness.
Perfect for Holidays: Ideal for gifting, entertaining, or savoring on cozy winter evenings.
No Alcohol Needed: This version delivers bold flavor without soaking in liquor.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange

Fruits & Add-ins

• 1 cup chopped dried mixed fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, apricots)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts or pecans work well)
• 2 tbsp orange juice (or unsweetened apple juice)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly spray with nonstick spray.

Soften the Fruit

• In a small bowl, combine the chopped dried fruit and orange juice.
• Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and let sit while preparing the batter.

Mix the Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, honey, eggs, vanilla, and orange zest.
• In another bowl, mix the flours, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.
• Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Fold in Fruit and Nuts

• Drain any excess liquid from the soaked fruit and add it to the batter.
• Stir in chopped nuts if using.

Bake

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
• Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)

Calories: 180 | Carbs: 24g | Fat: 6g | Protein: 4g | Sugar: 14g | Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Stir gently to keep the cake light and moist.
• Add More Spice: For a stronger spice profile, increase cinnamon or add ground ginger.
• Customize the Fruit: Use your favorite dried fruits, just keep the total amount around 1 cup.
• Storage: Wrap tightly and store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer shelf life.

Why This Recipe Works

• Moist but Not Heavy: Applesauce helps create a tender texture without excess fat.
• Naturally Sweet: Dried fruits and a touch of honey deliver sweetness without refined sugar overload.
• Simple Ingredients: No complicated prep or special tools—just wholesome basics.
• Holiday-Ready: This fruitcake can be sliced, wrapped, and gifted for a seasonal treat.

Luscious Moist Fruitcake is the perfect solution for those who want all the cozy flavors of a traditional holiday dessert without the weight. With spiced fruit, tender crumb, and just the right touch of sweetness, it’s a comforting and festive delight you’ll want to make again and again.