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–+ servings
Raisin Fruit Cake
Raisin Fruit Cake is a classic spiced loaf cake loaded with plump raisins, chopped dates, and crunchy nuts, delivering a rich, moist texture perfect for the holiday season or special gatherings. This recipe uses warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for a fragrant depth of flavor, while the combination of boiling water and shortening ensures a tender crumb. Dates and raisins provide natural sweetness, and a blend of baking soda and baking powder gives it a gentle rise. This cake is excellent served plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or alongside a dollop of whipped cream or custard.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 370 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups raisins
  • 1 ½ cups dates (chopped)
  • 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
  • 5 tbsp shortening
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (chopped)
  • 1 tsp cloves
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp baking powder

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Fruit and Sweetener

  • Combine raisins, chopped dates, brown sugar, and shortening in a large saucepan.
  • Add boiling water and stir to dissolve sugar.

Step 2: Boil the Mixture

  • Add salt and spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg) to the saucepan.
  • Bring mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Cool the Mixture

  • Remove from heat and let mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a loaf or tube pan.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  • Gradually add the cooled fruit mixture to the flour mixture, stirring gently until well combined.

Step 7: Add Nuts

  • Fold in chopped mixed nuts until evenly distributed.

Step 8: Bake

  • Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for about 1 ½ hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

  • Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips

  • Chop raisins and dates evenly for consistent texture
  • Soak dried fruit briefly in warm water if very dry
  • Substitute part of the raisins with currants if desired
  • Line the baking pan with parchment for easy removal
  • Allow cake to cool completely before slicing
  • Improves in flavor after resting overnight
  • Serve plain or with lightly sweetened whipped cream
  • Store tightly wrapped to maintain moisture

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gSodium: 285mgPotassium: 370mgFiber: 4gSugar: 44gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Dates, fruit cake, holiday dessert, old fashioned, Raisins, spiced cake, vintage baking
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