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–+ servings
Holiday Fruit Cake
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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Baked Goods, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 slices
Calories 482 kcal

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

  • Use melted coconut oil or avocado oil for a subtle flavor shift.
  • Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version (with egg substitute).
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday warmth.
  • Store tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 weeks—flavor improves over time.
  • Freeze individual slices for a ready-to-go snack or gift.

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
Keyword dried fruit, fruitcake, holidays, honey
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