Ingredients

• 1 cup (225 g) butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1 cup (150 g) chopped pecans
• 1 cup (160 g) raisins
• 1 cup (150 g) candied cherries
• 1 cup (150 g) candied pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup (75 g) chopped dates (optional)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon or orange juice (for brushing)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a deep 9-inch pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add alternately with orange juice.
4. Stir in vanilla, almond extract, nuts, and fruit.
5. Pour into prepared pan and bake 2–2 1/2 hours until done.
6. Cool slightly, brush with bourbon or juice, then wrap and let rest overnight.

Tips for a Perfect Fruit Cake 🍒

• Soak dried fruits overnight in orange juice or rum for extra flavor.
• For a glossy top, brush the cake with warm apricot jam before serving.
• Store wrapped in parchment and foil for up to 3 weeks (flavor deepens over time).

This cake freezes beautifully — wrap tightly and thaw overnight before slicing.