Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake – A Classic Holiday Delight

Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake is a timeless treat that brings warmth, tradition, and nostalgia to the table. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, this cake is rich, dense, and bursting with festive flavor. It’s the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings, but its comforting sweetness makes it a wonderful bake year-round. Unlike modern versions, this recipe keeps things simple and classic—just the way it’s been enjoyed for generations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Traditional Flavor: Authentic fruit-and-nut cake with warm spices.
Perfect for the Holidays: A festive favorite for Christmas or family gatherings.
Make Ahead Friendly: Flavors deepen as it rests.
Beautiful Presentation: Dense, golden cake studded with colorful fruits.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp cloves
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped apricots, or cranberries)
• 1 cup candied fruit mix or cherries
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a loaf pan or 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add Eggs & Flavoring
Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

5. Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually mix dry ingredients into butter mixture, alternating with milk, until smooth.

6. Fold in Fruits & Nuts
Stir in dried fruit, candied fruit, and nuts until evenly distributed.

7. Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 70–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool & Rest
Let cake cool completely in the pan before slicing. For best flavor, wrap tightly and let rest overnight before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 270
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fat: 12g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Soak the Fruit: For extra richness, soak dried fruit in warm tea, juice, or rum for a few hours before baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Keep the batter light by mixing only until combined.
• Make Ahead: The flavor improves after resting for a day or two.
• Festive Touch: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light glaze before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

The butter and brown sugar create a rich base, while the blend of spices enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits. Nuts add crunch, and the dense texture keeps the cake moist and flavorful for days. It’s a celebration of tradition, made with simple, timeless ingredients.

Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake is a holiday classic that never goes out of style. Dense, sweet, and filled with colorful fruit and crunchy nuts, it’s a recipe that carries the warmth of tradition and the joy of family gatherings. Serve it with coffee, tea, or as a festive dessert, and you’ll have a slice of old-world comfort in every bite.