Sugarplum Gumdrop Cake is a festive, colorful dessert often enjoyed around the holidays. Unlike traditional fruitcakes, which rely heavily on dried fruit and candied peel, this cake gets its playful bursts of sweetness and texture from gumdrops. Combined with walnuts and hints of fruit juice or brandy, it develops into a moist, rich loaf that becomes more flavorful as it rests. Beloved for its nostalgic quality, it is both a family-friendly treat and a whimsical centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Wrapped and stored properly, the cake can last for several weeks, making it ideal for gifting and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg white cake mix ( or yellow cake mix)
- ¼ cup shortening
- ½ cup boiling water
- 2 eggs
- 1½ lbs small gumdrops (quartered, avoid black licorice-flavored ones)
- 2 cups walnuts (chopped )
- fruit juice ( or brand, for soaking or brushing)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Batter
- Combine cake mix, shortening, and boiling water. Mix until smooth and blended. Let stand for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Beat in Eggs
- Beat batter on high speed for 4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time after 2 minutes of beating, beating after each addition.
Step 3: Add Mix-Ins
- Stir in gumdrops and walnuts until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bake
- Pour batter into two greased loaf pans. Bake at 275°F (175°C) for about ½ hour, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Wrap
- Cool cakes completely. Wrap in cloths soaked with fruit juice or brandy. Store wrapped cakes in airtight containers. Flavor improves as cakes rest.
Tips
- Use small, non-spice gumdrops (not sugared jellies) to prevent melting and color bleeding.
- Lightly coat gumdrop quarters in a spoonful of flour to help keep them from sinking in the batter.
- Substitute pecans for walnuts or use a half-and-half nut blend.
- Add ½ teaspoon almond or vanilla extract for enhanced cake-mix flavor.
- Line loaf pans with parchment for easier release.
- For stronger holiday flavor, brush finished loaves periodically with fruit juice or brandy while ripening.
- Make ahead: wrap in brandy-soaked cloth and foil; store airtight several days for best texture.
- Add ½ cup chopped candied cherries or pineapple for a more traditional fruitcake variation.
- Freeze loaves well wrapped for up to 2 to 3 months.
- Dust slices with powdered sugar before serving for a festive presentation.
Nutrition
Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.3mg
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