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–+ servings
Festive Fruitcake
This no-bake Festive Fruitcake is a cherished holiday treat known for its rich combination of fruits, nuts, and warm spices, bound together in a sweet, creamy base. Unlike traditional baked fruitcakes, this version uses marshmallows and condensed milk to hold the ingredients together, giving it a chewy, candy-like consistency. Studded with candied fruit, cherries, raisins, dates, and walnuts, this dense dessert is full of vibrant colors and textures, ideal for holiday gatherings and gift-giving. It’s molded, chilled, and sliced, offering an easy yet nostalgic alternative to baked fruitcake.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 days
Total Time 2 days 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 270 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 6 tbsp orange juice concentrate (undiluted, frozen )
  • ¾ cup dates (chopped )
  • ¾ cup raisins
  • 1 cup walnuts (chopped )
  • 1 cup mixed candied fruit
  • ¼ cup candied cherries
  • 4 cups graham crackers (crushed )
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground cloves

Instructions
 

Step 1: Melt Base

  • In a 3-quart saucepan, combine condensed milk, marshmallows, and orange juice concentrate.
  • Stir over medium heat until marshmallows melt.
  • Remove from heat.

Step 2: Add Fruits & Nuts

  • Stir in dates, raisins, walnuts, candied fruit, and candied cherries.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, mix crushed graham crackers with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • Stir the dry mixture into the fruit mixture until well blended.

Step 4: Mold & Chill

  • Press mixture firmly into a 5- or 6-cup ring mold or loaf pan lined with wax paper.
  • Cover tightly and chill for 2 days.

Tips

  • Lightly oil the mold to ensure easy unmolding
  • Substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred
  • Add a splash of rum or brandy for an adult version
  • Serve with whipped cream for a softer contrast
  • Chill a full 48 hours for best slicing texture
  • Line the mold with wax paper for extra insurance
  • Use mixed candied peel in place of mixed candied fruit
  • Slice with a hot knife for clean cuts

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword festive, fruit dessert, gelatin mold, holiday, no-bake, retro recipe, vintage dessert
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