Indulge your sweet tooth with these 18 mouthwatering dark fruit cake recipes, each packed with rich flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. From classic combinations to innovative twists, these indulgent treats are sure to satisfy any fruit lover’s cravings. With a range of options to suit every taste and dietary requirement, from vegan and gluten-free to boozy and decadent, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
From the warmth of spices and nuts to the brightness of citrus peel and the depth of dark chocolate, these recipes showcase the versatility and complexity of dark fruit cakes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a special treat, these 18 decadent recipes are sure to impress your friends and family with their moist texture, intense flavors, and stunning presentation.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of dark fruit cakes, highlighting the best ingredients, techniques, and tips to help you create your own show-stopping masterpieces. So go ahead, get baking, and discover the joy of indulging in these rich and indulgent treats!
Classic Dark Fruit Cake with Brandy Soaked Fruits
This rich and decadent fruit cake is a staple of the holiday season. With its dense, moist texture and sweet, boozy flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (120g) chopped dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries)
– 1/2 cup (60g) brandy-soaked fruits (see instructions below)
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Add chopped dried fruit and brandy-soaked fruits; mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add flour; mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Brandy Soaking Instructions:
– Mix 1/4 cup brandy with 1 cup chopped dried fruit (such as cranberries or cherries).
– Let mixture sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
– Strain liquid from solids and use in recipe.
Spiced Dark Fruit Cake with Walnuts and Dates
This rich and moist fruit cake is infused with the warmth of spices, the sweetness of dates, and the crunch of walnuts. Perfect for a special occasion or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 cup dark fruit cake mix (chopped dried fruits, cherries, and citrus peel)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until smooth.
3. Add chopped dates, walnuts, and fruit cake mix. Stir until well combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 2 1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Chocolate Infused Dark Fruit Cake
Moist and flavorful, this chocolate infused dark fruit cake is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 cup mixed dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, raisins)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and chocolate chips until well combined.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Fold in dried fruit and walnuts.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Rum Soaked Dark Fruit Cake with Mixed Berries
Experience the rich flavors of a traditional dark fruit cake infused with the deepness of rum and the sweetness of mixed berries. This moist and flavorful dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup dark rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
– 1 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, dark rum, and mixed berries. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
5. Bake for 2 1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Dark Fruit Cake with Candied Citrus Peel
This moist and flavorful fruit cake is elevated by the sweet and tangy addition of candied citrus peel, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Perfect for special occasions or as a thoughtful gift.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries)
– 1 cup candied citrus peel (orange and lemon), chopped
– 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and mixed dried fruit. Mix until combined.
4. Fold in chopped candied citrus peel and brandy or rum (if using).
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Moist Dark Fruit Cake with Almond Flour
This rich and decadent fruit cake is made with almond flour, giving it a delicate texture and nutty flavor. Perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries)
– 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/4 cup brandy or bourbon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until well combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Stir in dried fruit and brandy or bourbon (if using).
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 – 3 hours
Vegan Dark Fruit Cake with Coconut Sugar
Moist and flavorful, this vegan dark fruit cake is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of the year. With the natural sweetness of coconut sugar and the richness of dates, this cake is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped dates, pitted
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, almond milk, melted coconut oil, and coconut sugar.
3. Add dates, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
4. Stir in apple cider vinegar, raisins, and walnuts (if using).
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Gluten-Free Dark Fruit Cake with Quinoa Flour
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this decadent gluten-free dark fruit cake made with quinoa flour, featuring a blend of dried fruits and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups quinoa flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup mixed dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, raisins)
– 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together quinoa flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, mixed dried fruit, chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Dark Fruit Cake with Figs and Honey Glaze
This rich and decadent cake is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The combination of dark fruit, sweet figs, and a drizzle of honey glaze creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup fig jam
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 cup chopped dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, and raisins)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add fig jam, honey, and chopped dried fruit to the wet ingredients. Mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Honey Glaze:
1. Whisk together honey and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
2. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Dark Fruit Cake with Pecans and Maple Syrup
Experience the perfect blend of dark fruitcake flavors with the added crunch of pecans and the sweetness of maple syrup. This recipe yields a deliciously moist and rich cake that’s perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups (250g) mixed dried fruit (cherries, cranberries, raisins)
– 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream sugars and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Stir in vanilla extract, dried fruit, pecans, maple syrup, baking powder, and salt.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Dark Fruit Cake with Dried Apricots and Pistachios
This rich and mocha-flavored cake is packed with the sweetness of dried apricots and crunch of pistachios, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped apricots and pistachios.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Dark Fruit Cake with Black Currants and Dark Chocolate Chips
This dense and decadent fruit cake is perfect for the holiday season, featuring the sweet-tart flavor of black currants and the richness of dark chocolate chips.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, cherries)
– 1 cup black currants, chopped
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
3. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until just combined.
4. Stir in mixed dried fruit, black currants, and dark chocolate chips.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Dark Fruit Cake with Prunes and Cinnamon
This classic fruit cake recipe is a staple of the holiday season, featuring dark fruit, plump prunes, and warm cinnamon. Perfect for serving at family gatherings or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup pitted prunes, chopped
– 1 cup dark raisins
– 1/2 cup brandy or bourbon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, butter, eggs, flour, baking powder, and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Stir in prunes and raisins.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Dark Fruit Cake with Raisins and Orange Zest
This rich and moist cake is perfect for any occasion, with the sweetness of raisins and a hint of citrus from orange zest.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped mixed dark fruit (such as prunes, apricots, and cherries)
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup orange zest
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by chopped fruit and raisins.
5. Stir in orange zest and juice.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 2 1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 2 1/2 hours
Dark Fruit Cake with Cherries and Vanilla Bean
Moist and flavorful, this dark fruit cake is packed with sweet cherries and the warmth of vanilla bean. Perfect for special occasions or as a gift, this cake will impress with its deep brown color and rich aroma.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup (60g) pitted cherries, chopped
– 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup (120ml) whole milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, butter, eggs, cherries, and vanilla bean paste until smooth.
3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until just combined.
4. Pour in milk and mix until the batter is smooth.
5. Pour into prepared loaf pan and bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Dark Fruit Cake with Cranberries and Whiskey Glaze
Elevate your holiday celebrations with this rich and decadent dark fruit cake, bursting with cranberry flavor and topped with a velvety whiskey glaze.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup prunes, chopped
– 1 cup raisins
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
– 1/4 cup whiskey (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine prunes, raisins, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and cranberries; mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 2 1/2 hours or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes.
7. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Whiskey Glaze:
1. Combine whiskey (if using) and confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl.
2. Whisk until smooth, adding more confectioners’ sugar if needed.
3. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake; serve dusted with additional confectioners’ sugar.
Dark Fruit Cake with Pineapple and Coconut Flakes
A rich and decadent cake filled with the sweetness of dark fruit, the tanginess of pineapple, and the crunch of coconut flakes. Perfect for a special occasion or as a treat to brighten up any day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh pineapple
– 1/2 cup coconut flakes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, pineapple juice, and chopped pineapple. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in coconut flakes.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Dark Fruit Cake with Pears and Cardamom
This rich and moist fruit cake is elevated by the sweetness of pears and the warm, aromatic flavor of cardamom. Perfect for special occasions or as a unique gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dark brown sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup mixed dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, and cherries)
– 1 ripe pear, diced
– 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add dried fruit, pear, cardamom, and brandy or rum (if using). Mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth top.
6. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the rich flavors of these decadent dark fruit cakes! From classic recipes to innovative twists, this collection offers something for everyone. Try soaking fruits in brandy or rum for an added depth of flavor, or add textures with nuts and seeds. For a vegan option, use coconut sugar instead of refined sugars. Gluten-free and nut-free versions are also included. Each recipe is carefully crafted to showcase the sweetness of dark fruit cakes. With flavors ranging from chocolate-infused to whiskey-glazed, you’re sure to find a treat that suits your taste buds.
