Moist Fruit Cake Recipe
A perfectly moist fruit cake is more than just a festive treat,it’s a timeless classic that brings warmth, richness, and comfort in every slice. This recipe blends soaked fruits, aromatic spices, and a tender crumb that stays moist for days. Crafted with expert precision, it promises bakery-level results at home. Whether for holidays, celebrations, or everyday indulgence, this fruit cake will quickly become a treasured favorite.
Ingredients List
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants, chopped apricots, cherries)
- ½ cup mixed candied peel
- ½ cup orange juice (or apple juice)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soak the Fruits
Combine dried fruits and candied peel with orange juice. Let them soak for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum moisture.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla and orange zest.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. Fold into the batter gently.
Step 4: Combine with Soaked Fruits
Drain excess liquid if necessary, then fold fruits into the batter until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into a lined loaf pan. Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 60–75 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool
Allow to cool completely before slicing to retain structure and moisture.
Cook Time
Total: 2 hours (including preparation and baking)
Active Prep: 20 minutes
Baking: 60–75 minutes
Servings
Makes 8–10 slices.
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
Storage Instructions
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap in parchment and foil, then refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months,just thaw overnight for best texture.
Suggestions
- For deeper flavor, soak fruits in warm tea or rum instead of juice.
- Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra texture.
- Brush the warm cake with a little orange syrup for an extra boost of moisture and shine.
Seasonal Relevance
This moist fruit cake is perfect during winter holidays, festive gatherings, or anytime the weather calls for comforting, aromatic bakes. Its warm spices and rich fruitiness make it especially delightful in cooler seasons.
Conclusion
A truly exceptional fruit cake balances moisture, richness, and depth of flavor,and this recipe achieves exactly that. With properly soaked fruits, delicate spices, and expert technique, you’ll have a cake that tastes even better with time. Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or yourself, this moist fruit cake brings craftsmanship and gourmet quality to every bite.
Moist Fruit Cake Recipe
10
servings20
minutes1
hour15
minutes260
kcal1
hour35
minutesAn ultra-moist, rich, and aromatic fruit cake made with soaked dried fruits, warm spices, and a tender crumb. This bakery-quality recipe delivers exceptional flavor and remains beautifully moist for days—perfect for festive occasions or year-round enjoyment.
Ingredients
1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants, chopped apricots, cherries)
½ cup mixed candied peel
½ cup orange juice (or apple juice)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp allspice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
Pinch of salt
Directions
- Soak the dried fruits and candied peel in orange juice for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one by one. Mix in vanilla and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently.
- Drain any excess liquid from fruits and fold them into the batter.
- Pour batter into a lined loaf pan and bake at 160°C (320°F) for 60–75 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For a stronger flavor, soak fruits in tea or rum instead of juice.
- Wrap the cake after cooling to enhance its moisture and depth of flavor over time.
- Lightly dust soaked fruits with flour before mixing to prevent sinking.
