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Christmas Apricot and Walnut Fruitcake

This festive fruitcake, rich with dried apricots and crunchy walnuts, is a classic holiday treat. Perfect for sharing, it's a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert that gets better with age.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fruit Mixture
  • 250 g Dried apricots chopped
  • 150 g Walnuts chopped
  • 50 g Candied peel
  • 100 g Sultanas
  • 60 ml Brandy or orange juice
Cake Batter
  • 200 g All-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 tsp Ground mixed spice
  • 175 g Unsalted butter softened
  • 175 g Light brown sugar
  • 3 Large eggs
  • 1 tbsp Molasses

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin
  • Baking paper
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Spatula
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine chopped apricots, walnuts, candied peel, and sultanas in a bowl. Pour brandy or orange juice over the fruit and nuts, stir well, and let soak for at least an hour or overnight.
  2. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and prepare a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin by greasing and lining it with baking paper.
Baking
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and mixed spice.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the molasses.
  3. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, then gently fold in the soaked fruit and nut mixture.
  4. Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Let the fruitcake cool in the tin for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best flavor, make this fruitcake at least a week in advance and allow it to mature, brushing with extra brandy or orange juice if desired.