Holly Jolly Fruit Cake Recipe

Name: Holly Jolly Fruit Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 20 ounces diced mixed fruit; 8 ounces candied cherries, red and green; 6 ounces pitted dates; 4 ounces seeded raisins; 4 ounces walnut meats; 4 ounces pecans; 1 cup shortening; ½ cup sugar; ½ cup honey; 5 eggs, well beaten; 1 ¾ cups flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon allspice; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ cup either orange juice, grape juice, brandy, rum

Servings: persons

20 ounces diced mixed fruit
8 ounces candied cherries, red and green
6 ounces pitted dates
4 ounces seeded raisins
4 ounces walnut meats
4 ounces pecans
1 cup shortening
½ cup sugar
½ cup honey
5 eggs, well beaten
1 ¾ cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ cup either orange juice, grape juice, brandy, rum

1
Line greased 3 1/2 x 7 1/2 inch loaf pans with waxed or parchment paper, allowing 1/2 inch to extend above all sides of pans.
2
Do not flatten.
3
Shred fruit mix.
4
Halve cherries, nut meats, and dates.
5
(If you use pineapple and citron instead, cut the size of almonds).
6
Dredge fruit in 1/4 cup flour.
7
In large bowl, cream shortening and sugar; add honey and eggs; beat well.
8
In small bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of the flour with dry ingredients.
9
Alternately add flour mixture and liquid of choice to the creamed mixture.
10
Pour batter over floured fruits and mix well.
11
Pour batter into prepared pans.
12
Place a pan containing 2 cups of water on bottom shelf while baking.
13
Cakes baked with water have greater volume.
14
BAKE at 250 degrees 3-4 hours.
15
IF DECORATING with nuts and cherries, place on cakes 2 hours before done.
16
Before wrapping up cake the first time, mom drizzled brandy or rum over each cake.
17
Then, once a week she drizzled more liquid on them.
18
Store in covered container in a cool place.

947

kcal

Calories

Fat

101

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

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.
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 16 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 20 ounces diced mixed fruit, 8 ounces candied cherries, red and green, 6 ounces pitted dates, 4 ounces seeded raisins, and more.

Yes, Holly Jolly Fruit Cake 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!

Holly Jolly Fruit Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions