Description
Indulge in the rich, heartwarming flavors of our Traditional vanilla extract (alcohol-free)-Soaked Fruit Cake, a perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebrations. This moist cake is generously filled with a delightful mix of dried fruits, candied ginger, and nuts, all soaked in a luscious vanilla syrup that enhances its traditional appeal. Ideal for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners, each slice brings a taste of nostalgia that will leave guests raving. Easy to prepare and even better when made ahead, this cake improves in flavor over time, making it an essential addition to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, apricots)
- 1 cup candied ginger, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup dark vanilla extract (alcohol-free) or apple juice (plus extra for soaking)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of one orange
- 1/4 cup dark vanilla extract (alcohol-free) or apple juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine mixed dried fruits and candied ginger. Soak them in orange juice and dark vanilla extract for at least 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves together.
- Beat softened butter with brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix well with vanilla extract and orange zest.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture while alternating with milk.
- Fold in soaked fruits and nuts gently until combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 1½ to 2 hours or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While baking, prepare the syrup by heating dark vanilla extract, honey, and sugar until dissolved.
- Once baked and cooled slightly, poke holes in the cake and pour warm syrup over it. Wrap the cake and let rest for at least 24 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Traditional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg