This Heinz Mincemeat Fruit Cake is a classic holiday dessert rich in warm spices, dried fruits, and sweet mincemeat filling. Using Heinz canned mincemeat, the recipe blends raisins, chopped nuts, sugar, and butter with a soft, cake-like batter. Egg yolks add richness, while beaten egg whites create a lighter texture. Baked slowly at a low temperature, the result is a moist, fragrant cake perfect for Christmas celebrations, afternoon tea, or as an edible gift. Its traditional flavors make it a timeless favorite for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 can Heinz mincemeat (about 28 oz)
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup mixed nuts (chopped )
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup butter (melted )
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp hot water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted )
- 2 egg whites (beaten stiff)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Place Heinz mincemeat into a large mixing bowl.
- Add raisins, nuts, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well.
Step 2: Add Yolks and Soda Mixture
- Separate egg yolks and add them to the bowl.
- Dissolve baking soda in 1 tbsp hot water and stir into the batter.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour
- Sift flour and add gradually, mixing until well blended.
Step 4: Fold in Egg Whites
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold them into the batter to keep the cake light.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 9-inch tube pan or loaf pans.
- Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips
- Use a tube pan or loaf pan lined with parchment to help remove the cake cleanly.
- Let the cake rest at least a day (or up to several days) wrapped tightly; flavors deepen over time.
- If desired, brush the cooled cake lightly with apple juice or brandy to keep it moist.
- Substitute mixed dried fruit for part of the raisins for more variety.
- Add warm spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg if you prefer a spicier fruit cake.
- Chop “nut meats” (traditionally walnuts or pecans) fairly small so slices cut cleanly.
- Test for doneness with a toothpick or skewer inserted in the center; it should come out clean.
- Bake on the middle rack to avoid over-browning the bottom or top.
- If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil during the last 20–30 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 105mgPotassium: 190mgFiber: 2gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.4mg
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