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–+ servings
Uncooked Fruit Cake
Uncooked Fruit Cake is a nostalgic, no-bake treat often made for holidays and special gatherings. Unlike traditional fruitcake that requires hours of baking, this version combines dates, candied cherries, nuts, graham cracker crumbs, and marshmallows, bound together with a fragrant touch of orange juice. Its charm lies in the simplicity, just a few ingredients mixed, shaped, and set, resulting in a chewy, sweet, and festive loaf. Often prepared ahead of time, it keeps well when wrapped, making it perfect for gifting or slicing for dessert trays. This retro recipe reflects mid-century ingenuity, offering a delightful balance of texture and flavor without turning on the oven.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill/Set Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 slices
Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pitted dates (chopped)
  • 1 lb chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans recommended)
  • 1 lb graham cracker crumbs (crushed)
  • 1 lb marshmallows
  • 1 lb candied cherries (halved)
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • Powdered sugar (for rolling)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Melt Marshmallows

  • In the top of a double boiler, melt the marshmallows with orange juice until smooth.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

  • Stir in dates, candied cherries, chopped nuts, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until evenly combined and sticky.

Step 3: Shape the Cake

  • Press the mixture firmly into oblong logs or loaves.

Step 4: Coat and Wrap

  • Roll in powdered sugar, then wrap tightly in foil.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

  • Refrigerate until firm (2–4 hours or overnight).
  • Slice into thin pieces to serve.

Tips

  • Use mini marshmallows to melt faster and more evenly.
  • Line the work surface with parchment to prevent sticking while shaping rolls.
  • Add shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
  • Substitute pecans, walnuts, or mixed nuts depending on preference.
  • For less sweetness, reduce candied cherries and increase nuts slightly.
  • Wrap logs tightly in foil and refrigerate overnight for easier slicing.
  • Lightly dust knife with powdered sugar to prevent sticking while slicing.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the melted marshmallow mixture for aroma.
  • Swap orange juice with pineapple juice for a tropical variation.
  • Roll logs in finely crushed graham crackers instead of powdered sugar if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 60mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 2.5gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
Keyword candied cherries, Christmas, Dates, fruitcake, graham crackers, holiday, marshmallow, no bake dessert, retro recipe, vintage
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