Grandmother’s Dark Fruitcake Recipe ๐
Prepare to embark on a journey of timeless flavors with this cherished recipe for Grandmother’s Dark Fruitcake! Perfect for festive occasions like Christmas or any cozy weeknight indulgence, this delightful creation promises to fill your home with warmth and nostalgia. Let’s dive into the culinary magic of crafting this exquisite treat.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Yield: 2 cakes
Category: Fruit Desserts ๐
Keywords: Christmas, Weeknight, Oven ๐

Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecans
- 3/4 cup walnuts
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (for mixing with fruits and nuts)
- 1 cup butter
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for batter)
- 1 cup grape jelly
- 1 cup grape juice
- 3 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, etc.)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Fruits and Nuts Mixture:
- Begin by combining the mixed dried fruits, pecans, walnuts, and 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour in a large mixing bowl. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation into the batter.
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Prepare the Batter:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the remaining all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and spices. Then, add in the butter, brown sugar, and eggs. Beat the mixture until it achieves a smooth and creamy consistency.
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Incorporate the Jelly and Juice:
- In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the grape jelly and grape juice. Gradually add this flavorful mixture to the batter, ensuring it blends evenly.
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Combine Batter with Fruits and Nuts:
- Now, gently fold the batter into the prepared mixture of fruits, nuts, and flour. Divide the resulting batter evenly between two well-greased tube pans, ensuring a balanced distribution.
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Create a Moist Baking Environment:
- Place a pan of water on a rack beneath the tube pans to maintain moisture during baking. This step helps prevent the cake from drying out and ensures a tender texture.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 275ยฐF (135ยฐC). Bake the fruitcakes for 3 to 4 hours, allowing them to develop rich flavors and a beautifully golden crust.
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Infuse with Grape Juice:
- Once the cakes are baked and cooled, spoon grape juice generously over the top of each cake. Repeat this process daily until the cakes are served, allowing the flavors to deepen with each application.
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Store with Care:
- To preserve the freshness and moisture of your fruitcakes, tightly cover them with foil. This protective layer helps maintain their delightful texture and flavor until they are ready to be enjoyed.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 7071.8
- Fat: 308.6g
- Saturated Fat: 79.4g
- Cholesterol: 667mg
- Sodium: 2868.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 1080.3g
- Fiber: 44.9g
- Sugar: 845.7g
- Protein: 62.4g
Grandmother’s Dark Fruitcake is not just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition passed down through generations, embodying the essence of love, warmth, and celebration. With its rich blend of fruits, nuts, and spices, each slice invites you to savor the sweet memories of days gone by. Whether shared with loved ones during the holidays or savored as a comforting treat, this classic delicacy promises to create lasting moments of joy and togetherness. Embrace the tradition, and let every bite tell a story of love and tradition! ๐