Simple Fruitcake Recipe: Easy and Delicious

Name: Simple Fruitcake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup cornmeal; 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder; Pinch of salt; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder; 1 teaspoon ginger powder; ½ teaspoon clove powder; ½ cup sugar; ¼ cup melted butter; ¼ cup cooking oil; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup cream; ½ cup dark raisins; ¾ cup Maraschino Cherries drained and chopped

Jump to Recipe

This simple fruitcake recipe is so easy and delicious, full of chopped nuts and candied fruits. It’s perfect for the beginner baker and makes a wonderful holiday gift.

Simple fruitcake on white parchment paper.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Here’s why this fruitcake recipe has become a favorite:

Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, and spices.
Easy to Make: The step-by-step instructions make it easy for anyone to make this delicious fruitcake.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, a family gathering, or just a cozy weekend, this fruitcake is the perfect sweet treat.
Full of Flavor: The combination of maraschino cherries and dark raisins gives this fruitcake an amazing burst of flavor.

Key Recipe Ingredients

Dark Raisins – They add a chewy texture and a sweet, fruity flavor to the fruitcake.
Spiced Powder – A combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and clove powder which infuses the cake with warm, aromatic flavors.
Cream – It adds richness and moisture to the cake, keeping it soft and tender.
Maraschino Cherries – Maraschino Cherries are plump, juicy, and have a rich, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the other fruits and spices in this cake.

Close up image of fruitcake with candles on the side.

Substitutions And Variations

Here are a few of our favorite variations to this simple fruitcake recipe:

Different fruit: While this recipe calls for dark raisins and Maraschino Cherries, feel free to get creative with your dried fruit and nut choices. Chopped apricots, cranberries, or figs would all be delicious in this fruitcake.
Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try using pecans, almonds, or even pistachios.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves gives this fruitcake its classic holiday flavor. But feel free to play around with the spices to suit your preferences. You could even add a splash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Fruitcake

Step 1
Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and set aside.

Step 2
In a separate bowl, beat together the wet ingredients.

Step 3
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix gently.

Step 4
In a separate bowl, mix the fruits with a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking. Then fold them into the batter.

Step 5
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake at 350F/180 C for 50 minutes.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

Moist Holiday cake with candid fruits and nuts.

How To Prep Ahead

Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this fruitcake:

Dry Ingredients: You can measure out all of the dry ingredients, including the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and spices, and store them in an airtight will be added to the batter. This can be done a few days in advance. This is a great way to save time and reduce the mess on the day of baking.
Chop the Fruits: The dark raisins and Maraschino Cherries can be chopped ahead of time. Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This can be done up to a week in advance.

What To Serve With Simple Fruitcake

Fruitcake is a traditional holiday dessert that is perfect for serving at festive gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea
If you’re hosting a holiday party, consider serving this fruitcake alongside other classic desserts like cookies and brownies. Your guests will love having a variety of sweet treats to choose from.
Fruitcake also makes a great gift during the holiday season. You can wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie them with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the fruits from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

To prevent the fruits from sinking to the bottom of the cake, simply add two tablespoons of flour to the raisins and chopped cherries. Mix well and then fold them into the batter. This will help the fruits to be evenly distributed throughout the fruitcake.

Why did my fruitcake come out dry?

Overcooking the fruitcake can result in a dry texture. Make sure to check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time. You can also try reducing the oven temperature slightly and covering the top of the cake with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent it from drying out.

How long does this fruitcake keep?

This fruitcake can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Be sure to store it in an airtight container for best results.

Fruitcake photography - Moist cake with candid fruit.

Alcohol-Free Fruitcake – This fruitcake recipe is alcohol-free, making it a kid-friendly cake you can have the same day you bake it.
Angel Food Cake – A wonderful Angel Food Cake recipe that will never fail you. This cake rises beautifully and is airy and fluffy.
Orange Cake – Orange cake is a moist and mouth-watering cake that will make you reach for the second slice in seconds!
Pistachio Cake – Pistachio cake has a light texture, a lot of flavor coming from the pistachio, butter, and vanilla. This cake has tender crumbs and it stays super moist for days.

Please Review and Rate

If you have tried this Simple Fruit recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below with your experience!