Unbaked Fruit Cake is a charming mid-century classic, cherished for its simplicity and nostalgic flavor. This no-bake dessert combines graham cracker crumbs, marshmallows, candied fruit, and rich condensed milk into a sweet, chewy confection that captures the spirit of homemade holiday treats without ever turning on the oven. Popular in American households during the 1940s–1960s, recipes like this were often clipped from magazines or shared on typewritten cards, like this one. It’s quick to prepare, delightfully colorful, and has that vintage flair that evokes memories of festive gatherings and old-fashioned kitchen warmth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb graham crackers (ground)
- 1 lb marshmallows (chopped)
- 1 lb English walnuts (chopped)
- 1 lb dates (chopped)
- ¼ lb candied cherries (chopped)
- 1 slice orange rind (finely chopped)
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (preferably Eagle Brand)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
- Chop the marshmallows, walnuts, dates, candied cherries, and orange rind. Grind the graham crackers if not already done.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham crackers, chopped marshmallows, walnuts, dates, candied cherries, and orange rind.
Step 3: Add condensed milk
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the dry mixture. (Use Eagle Brand if possible, as the original recipe recommends.)
Step 4: Combine thoroughly
- Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated and stick together.
Step 5: Shape and chill
- Press the mixture firmly onto a plate or into a dish lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Refrigerate
- Place in a refrigerator or cool location for about 2 hours until the cake is firm.
Step 7: Serve
- Slice and serve directly from the dish. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Tips
- Line the dish for easy removal: use parchment paper or plastic wrap in your dish or pan before pressing in the mixture, this makes slicing and serving much easier.
- Slightly warm the condensed milk: if the mixture is too stiff to stir, gently warm the sweetened condensed milk for a few seconds. This helps it blend more smoothly.
- Use mini marshmallows: mini marshmallows are easier to mix and melt slightly, helping the cake bind better.
- Chill overnight for best results: while 2 hours is enough, chilling overnight improves texture and flavor, and makes it easier to slice.
Nutrition
Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 6gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 3gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!