Easy Moist Fruit Cake: A Simple, Delicious Holiday Classic

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Introduction

Fruit cake doesn’t have to be dense, dry, or overly complicated! This Easy Moist Fruit Cake is light, tender, and packed with juicy dried fruits, making it the perfect treat for holidays, tea time, or anytime you crave a sweet, spiced dessert. Unlike traditional fruit cakes that require weeks of aging, this version comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients—no soaking, no fuss!

With a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, a tender crumb, and bursts of chewy fruit in every bite, this cake is irresistibly moist thanks to orange juice (or water) and oil. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a dollop of whipped cream for a crowd-pleasing dessert.

The Recipe: Easy Moist Fruit Cake

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, chopped dates, cherries, etc.)
  • ½ cup orange juice (or water)
  • ½ cup sugar (white or light brown)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ins:

  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • 1 tbsp rum or brandy (for extra flavor)
  • Zest of 1 orange (for brightness)

Instructions

1. Prep the Dried Fruits

  • In a small bowl, combine the dried fruits and orange juice (or water). Let soak for 10-15 minutes to plump up (or microwave for 1 minute to speed up the process).

2. Make the Batter

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together:
  • Sugar, oil (or melted butter), eggs, and vanilla extract.
  • Drain any excess liquid from the soaked fruits and fold them into the wet mixture.
  • In another bowl, sift together:
  • Flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet batter until just combined (do not overmix).

3. Bake to Perfection

  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  • Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Serving Suggestions

  • Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
  • Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel.
  • For extra richness, brush the top with warm honey or apricot jam.

Pro Tips for the Best Fruit Cake

✅ Fruit Variations: Use any dried fruits you like—cranberries, apricots, or figs work well.
✅ Moisture Hack: If the cake seems dry, wrap it in foil and let it sit overnight—the flavors will meld.
✅ Storage: Keeps well at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
✅ Alcohol Option: For a boozy twist, soak dried fruits in rum or brandy overnight before baking.

Conclusion

This Easy Moist Fruit Cake is the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence—no heavy spices, no complicated steps, just a deliciously tender cake studded with sweet, juicy fruits. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy a classic dessert without the wait.

Slice, serve, and savor every bite of this comforting, flavorful treat! 🍰✨

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