Grandmother's Dark Fruitcake Recipe

Name: Grandmother's Dark Fruitcake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb mixed candied fruit (no citron); 34 lb candied cherry, chopped; 34 lb candied pineapple, chopped; 1 14 lbs pecans or 1 14 lbs walnuts, chopped; 1 lb light brown sugar; 4 eggs; 1 cup butter; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon allspice; 1 ½ cups of welch grape jelly; 1 ½ cups welch grape juice; 3 cups all-purpose flour

Servings: persons

1 lb mixed candied fruit (no citron)
34 lb candied cherry, chopped
34 lb candied pineapple, chopped
1 14 lbs pecans or 1 14 lbs walnuts, chopped
1 lb light brown sugar
4 eggs
1 cup butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
1 ½ cups of welch grape jelly
1 ½ cups welch grape juice
3 cups all-purpose flour

1
Mix the fruits, nuts, and 1 1/4 cup of flour* (set to the side).
2
Sift the rest of the flour, salt, baking powder, and spices together.
3
Add butter, brown sugar, and eggs; beat the mixture.
4
In small bowl, mix the jelly and juice together and then add it to the batter.
5
Next add the batter to the mixture of (fruits, nuts and flour); place 1/2 the batter into well-greased tube pan, and the other half into another well greased tube pan.
6
Place pan of water on rack under the tube pans (keep water in the pan).
7
Bake 275F for 3 to 4 hours.
8
Let the cake cool and spoon grape juice on top of cake (twice around).
9
Repeat each day until served.
10
Cover with foil and keep it real tight.

3516

kcal

Calories

Fat

718

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 lb mixed candied fruit (no citron), 34 lb candied cherry, chopped, 34 lb candied pineapple, chopped, 1 14 lbs pecans or 1 14 lbs walnuts, chopped, and more.

Yes, Grandmother's Dark Fruitcake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Grandmother's Dark Fruitcake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions