bourbon fruit cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best bourbon fruit cake recipe

I’ve been making this bourbon fruit cake recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s a classic Southern dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a Tuesday.

The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is irresistible, and the texture is moist and tender. I love how the bourbon adds a depth of flavor that’s not overpowering, but rather enhances the other ingredients.

My kids can’t get enough of it, and I’ve even had to make extra batches to keep up with their demands. I’ve tried many different recipes over the years, but this one remains my go-to.

It’s a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try it out. The best part is that it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for those who aren’t experienced bakers.

Just be sure to use high-quality ingredients and follow the instructions carefully for the best results.

Bourbon Fruit Cake

4.6 from 1173 votes

A rich and moist fruit cake infused with bourbon, packed with dried fruits and nuts. This classic holiday treat is perfect for celebrations or as a gift.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time3 hours
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Fruit Mixture

1 cup raisins
1 cup dried currants
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup chopped candied cherries
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup bourbon
1/2 cup orange juice

For the Cake Batter

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, combine raisins, currants, cranberries, apricots, cherries, pecans, and walnuts.
2Pour in the bourbon and orange juice, stirring until all fruits and nuts are coated.
3Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture soak at room temperature for at least 8 hours or overnight, stirring occasionally.
4Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
5Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
6In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
7In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
8Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
9Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until just combined.
10Fold in the soaked fruit mixture (including any remaining liquid) until evenly distributed.
11The batter will be very thick.
12Spoon the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
13Bake for 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
14If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil after 1 hour.
15Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
16Then turn the cake out onto the rack to cool completely.
17Once cool, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container.
18For best flavor, let the cake rest for at least 24 hours before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Wooden spoon
9-inch round cake pan
Parchment paper
Wire rack
Aluminum foil

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 180mg🌾Total Carbs: 65g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 40g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

Soaking the fruits overnight ensures a moist and flavorful cake. You can substitute different dried fruits or nuts based on preference. For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with apple cider.

This bourbon fruit cake recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just a random Tuesday.

It’s easy to make ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

To reheat leftover fruit cake, simply microwave it for 10-15 seconds or warm it in a low oven (300°F) for about 10-15 minutes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Fruit Cake

Q: What type of bourbon is best to use in this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using a high-quality bourbon that’s at least 80 proof. You can use either straight bourbon or blended whiskey, but make sure it’s not too strong or overpowering. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of bourbon to 1/4 cup or even less.

Q: Can I make this recipe without using bourbon?

No problem! If you don’t have bourbon or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar or another liquid of your choice. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: How do I store leftover fruit cake?

Leftover fruit cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw when needed.

Q: Can I make individual servings of this fruit cake?

Yes, you can easily portion out individual servings using muffin tins or ramekins. Simply divide the batter evenly among the molds and bake until golden brown.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover fruit cake?

The best way to reheat leftover fruit cake is by microwaving it for 10-15 seconds or by warming it in a low oven (300°F) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore its moisture and texture without drying it out.

Similar Posts