This Holiday Fruitcake is a hearty, naturally sweetened version of the traditional seasonal treat, made without refined sugar and filled with a medley of dried fruits, seeds, and nuts. It uses honey for moisture and sweetness, along with whole wheat flour, orange zest, and a blend of wholesome ingredients like sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and chopped figs. The result is a dense, chewy cake packed with texture and flavor, perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea during the winter holidays.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs (slightly beaten)
- ¾ cup honey
- ½ cup oil
- 3 tbsp orange peel (grated )
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup unhulled sesame seeds
- 1½ cups raisins
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- 1 ½ cup walnuts (chopped )
- 1 cup almonds (slivered )
- 1 cup dried figs (finely chopped )
- 1 cup dates (pitted and quartered )
- ½ cup dried apples (chopped )
- ½ cup filberts (chopped )
- ½ cup dried apricots (quartered )
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Base Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, honey, oil, orange peel, and whole wheat flour until smooth.
Step 2: Combine Remaining Ingredients
- Add in the sesame seeds, raisins, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds, figs, dates, dried apples, filberts, and apricots. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute.
Step 3: Prepare Pan
- Scrape the batter into a well-greased container. Use a small loaf pan or muffin tin for best results.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake at 300°F for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until firm and golden on top.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
- Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Tips
- Substitute part of the honey with molasses for a darker, deeper flavor.
- Add warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove) for a more traditional holiday spice profile.
- Soak dried fruits in orange juice or rum overnight for extra moisture.
- Replace whole wheat flour with a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Fold in chopped candied ginger for a pleasant zing.
- Use parchment paper to ease removal from the pan.
- Toast nuts lightly before adding to intensify flavor.
- Swap oil for melted butter for richer taste.
- Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing, fruitcake slices best when firm.
Nutrition
Calories: 482kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 10gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 25mgPotassium: 564mgFiber: 8gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 219IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 127mgIron: 3mg
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