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Fruitcake is one of those Christmas desserts thats commonly misunderstood. After all, the traditional Christmas treat is made with candied fruit, nuts, and brandy—whats not to love? You can certainly buy a fruitcake to send to family and friends, but making homemade fruit cake is a fun baking project to try at home, too. The best part? Weve also found some fun new twists on the classic dessert. So even if youre skeptical of fruitcake, youll find joy in making fruitcake-inspired Christmas cookies, chocolate fruitcake, and homemade muffins. Theres also a homemade fudge recipe made with jewel-toned candies and bourbon. If that doesnt make you think twice about fruitcake, we dont know what will.
What exactly is fruitcake, anyway? Fruitcake is a Christmas tradition that has been around for centuries. The colorful cake is repeatedly brushed with some kind of alcohol, like brandy, which not only provides moisture and flavor, but it also allows the fruitcake to have a longer shelf life. Thats one reason why fruitcake makes such a good DIY Christmas food gift. To make a fruitcake your family will actually love, use good quality ingredients like golden raisins, dried figs, and crunchy pecans. The list ahead also includes some recipes that add dark chocolate chunks to the batter or a cream cheese frosting on top. Whichever direction you choose, you can rest assured that these fruitcake recipes are sure to become a new favorite.
This homemade fruit is loaded with tasty mix-ins, like candied ginger, dried apricots, raisins, and pumpkin pie spice. Its moist and slightly boozy, plus it makes two loaves—one for you and one for a friend!
These simple butter cookies are studded with pretty candied fruit so theyd make a festive addition to your holiday cookie plate. We also love the way they can be packaged and sent to friend in these mini tins with parchment paper.
Get the Fruitcake Shortbread Cookies recipe at The View From Great Island.
This recipe has all the flavor of a moist carrot cake, plus the delicious mix-ins of candied fruits and nutty pecans. Its a genius mash-up if you ask us!
Get the Carrot Fruitcake recipe at Dinner Then Dessert. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
There are a few subtle differences between this modern fruitcake and those fruitcakes that tend to be more controversial. For instance, this one is made with mostly dried fruits. Plus, it has a beautiful glaze that makes it prettier than ever.
Get the Modern Fruitcake recipe at The View From Great Island.
This isnt a fruitcake per se, but it is a great alternative for those who want a traditional Christmas bread thats studded with dried fruit. Its also another impressive treat for gifting!
White Chocolate Fruitcake Bark
Not only does this white chocolate bark have bits of bits of candied fruit and nuts, but its also topped with crumbled gingersnaps and a touch of brandy for even more holiday flavor.
Get the White Chocolate Fruitcake Bark recipe at Dinner Then Dessert. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
This round holiday cake is made with cherry brandy which gives it a fruity flavor and moist texture. While it doesnt actually taste like alcohol, it does contain a good amount of brandy, so beware!
Get the Christmas Cake recipe at Kitchen Sanctuary.
This recipe combines an almond shortbread base with a gooey fruit topping for a fun twist on fruitcake thats absolutely delicious.
Get the Gooey Fruitcake Bars recipe at Crumb Blog.
These holiday treats have dried cherries and dark chocolate chips in every bite. It would make a fun addition to your Christmas cookie exchange.
Get the Mini Fruitcakes recipe at Healthy Seasonal Recipes.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Chocolate lovers will go crazy for this rich and decadent dessert. The fruitcake is packed with chunks of chopped dark chocolate.
Get the Dark Chocolate Fruitcake recipe at Spices in My DNA.
Easy Fruitcake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Many fruitcake recipes can take a long time to make (it’s what makes them so special!), but if you’re in a pinch this quick fruitcake will be ready in under an hour—including the tangy cream cheese frosting!
Get the Easy Fruitcake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe at Sweet Peas Kitchen.
Both fruitcake and cookies are holiday traditions so why not combine them?! The easy drop cookies are made without rum so even your kids can enjoy this treat.
Get the Fruitcake Cookies recipe at Noshing with the Nolands.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
The words “light” and “fruitcake” often dont go hand-in-hand, but thats exactly how to describe this moist cake. To get the right texture, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Get the Light Fruitcake recipe at Immaculate Bites.
This white chocolate fudge recipe is perfect for anyone whos still apprehensive about the holiday cake. Its filled with bourbon soaked candied cherries, candied pineapple, and candied oranges for a colorful treat.
Get the Bourbon Fruitcake Fudge recipe at Sweet ReciPeas.
Homemade chocolate bark is an easy food gift that you can wrap up with cellophane and ribbon for all your friends and neighbors. Just be sure to choose a selection of dried fruits and nuts that are loaded with pretty colors.
Get the Better-Than-Fruitcake Bark recipe at The View from Great Island. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Looking for a fruitcake that the whole family can enjoy? This non-alcoholic version is just as tasty even without the booze.
Get the Non-Alcoholic Christmas Fruitcake recipe at Where is My Spoon.
You only need three ingredients to make this fun bite-sized treat. Just blend leftover fruitcake and spiced rum together, then dip in melted white chocolate.
Get the Christmas Cake Balls recipe at Bake School.
Yes, you can make a cake in your Instant Pot. Its perfect for the busy holiday season when your oven is doing double time.
Get the Instant Pot Fruitcake recipe at Instant Pot Eats.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
To get the dried fruits in this cake moist and plump, theyre cooked in a mixture of orange juice and lemon juice before being folded into the cocoa-infused batter.
Get the Chocolate Fruitcake recipe at Bake with Shivesh.
Soaking the Dry Fruits | Super Moist Fruit Cake Recipe Part 1 | Holiday Favourites
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