Description
Traditional Rum-Soaked Fruit Cake is a luscious holiday treat that embodies the spirit of festive gatherings. With its rich blend of dried fruits, candied ginger, and crunchy nuts soaked in a delightful rum syrup, this cake is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a visual delight on any table. Perfect for Christmas or celebrations throughout the year, this moist fruit cake can be prepared ahead of time—giving it ample opportunity to develop deep flavors. Whether served as a dessert or with coffee at brunch, this showstopper is sure to impress your guests. Customize it easily by adding your favorite nuts or fruits for a personal touch that makes it uniquely yours.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, apricots)
- 1 cup candied ginger
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 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
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup dark rum or brandy (plus extra for soaking)
- Zest of one orange
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup dark rum or brandy (for syrup)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for syrup)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for syrup)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Soak dried fruits and candied ginger in orange juice and rum for at least 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy; add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract and orange zest.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the butter mixture alongside milk.
- Fold in soaked fruits and nuts gently until combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours until done.
- Prepare rum syrup while baking by heating additional rum with honey and sugar until dissolved.
- After cooling slightly, poke holes in the cake and pour the rum syrup over it; let rest before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg