Scandinavian-Inspired Heavenly Fruitcake: A Time-Honored Family Treasure

Recipe: “It’s Good I Promise” Fruitcake 🍰

Description:

This fruitcake recipe is a cherished family tradition spanning at least three generations, embodying the true spirit of the holidays. Despite its intimidating list of ingredients and instructions, fear not! It’s a delightful culinary journey that rewards with heavenly aromas and delicious flavors. Even if you’ve sworn off fruitcake, give this a chance—it might just change your mind!

Cook Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 72 hours (includes freezer time)
Total Time: 74 hours
Servings: 2 loaves

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 2231
Fat Content: 53.4g
Saturated Fat Content: 7.2g
Cholesterol Content: 0mg
Sodium Content: 1898.6mg
Carbohydrate Content: 424.2g
Fiber Content: 12.7g
Sugar Content: 256.7g
Protein Content: 30.6g

Ingredients:

2 cups brown sugar
2 cups hot water
2 cups Crisco shortening
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
1 cup raisins
1 cup walnuts
1 cup maraschino cherries
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup hot water (for dissolving soda)

Instructions:

In a large pan, combine brown sugar, hot water, Crisco shortening, salt, cinnamon, cloves, raisins, walnuts, and maraschino cherries.
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Heat and boil lightly for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen!
Allow the mixture to cool. Traditionally, this is done in the evening, leaving the pan on the stove with a lid before bedtime.
The following day, when the mixture has cooled, add flour and soda dissolved in water into the pan mixture.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while preparing the pans.
Prepare the pans by cutting open grocery bags and cutting each bag in half crosswise. You’ll need two loaf pans.
Place a pan upside down on the counter, wrap it with a piece of paper, and use masking tape to secure it, keeping any printing on the outside.
Turn the pan over and place the shaped paper inside as a lining, trimming it to meet the pan edges. Repeat this process for both pans, creating a double liner.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. If the top starts to get too done, cover it with another piece of paper. Baking time may vary, so keep an eye on it.
Once done, remove the cakes from the pans. Warning: the cakes will be stuck to the inside liner. Discard the outer liner and allow the cakes to cool while still stuck to the inner liner.
Unfortunately, you’ll have to resist the temptation to eat the cake immediately. Freeze it for at least a day or two to meld the flavors and achieve the perfect consistency.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake and peel off the paper gradually as you indulge. Alternatively, if slicing the entire loaf, store it on the counter inside a plastic bag.

Tips:

Experiment with lining the pans with wax paper for easier removal.
Adjust baking time based on oven temperature and other variables.
Embrace the anticipation as the flavors meld during freezing.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy a slice with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or snack.
Share with loved ones during holiday gatherings or potluck dinners.
Wrap slices in parchment paper for a delightful homemade gift.

Conclusion:

This “It’s Good I Promise” fruitcake is a labor of love, steeped in tradition and bursting with flavor. Don’t let misconceptions about fruitcake deter you—give this recipe a try and create new holiday memories with your loved ones. Happy baking! 🎄🍰