White Fruit Cake is a tender, buttery cake filled with sweet candied fruits and nuts that glisten like jewels. Unlike the traditional dark fruit cake, this version is light in color and has a delicate vanilla-almond flavor. It’s a beautiful holiday treat that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee, and it stays moist for days when stored properly.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk
1½ cups mixed candied fruit (chopped)
1 cup golden raisins
¾ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 tablespoons flour (for coating fruits and nuts)
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan or two smaller loaf pans with parchment paper. -
Prepare the Fruit and Nuts
In a small bowl, toss the candied fruit, raisins, and nuts with 2 tablespoons of flour. This keeps them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking. -
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. This step helps the cake stay light and airy. -
Add Eggs and Flavoring
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts for that lovely holiday aroma. -
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until smooth. -
Fold in Fruit and Nuts
Gently fold the floured fruit and nuts into the batter. Avoid overmixing so the cake stays tender. -
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 20 minutes. -
Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Slice once cooled and enjoy with coffee or tea.
Nutrition (per slice):
Calories: 380
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 17g
Sugar: 33g
Sodium: 150mg
Tips:
Soak the dried fruit in orange juice or light rum overnight for extra flavor and moisture.
Use all-white fruits like pineapple, golden raisins, and coconut for a true “white” version.
For a festive touch, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for three months.
