Old-Fashioned Tennessee Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe 🎄

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Old-Fashioned Tennessee Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe 🎄








There’s something about the holidays that brings back the sweetest memories. For me, it’s the smell of my great aunt’s fruit cake baking in her cozy Tennessee kitchen — rich, buttery, and full of spiced fruit and nuts. Every year, the aroma would fill the house and let everyone know Christmas had truly arrived.

This old-fashioned Tennessee fruit cake is moist, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Packed with dried fruit, nuts, warm spices, and just a touch of molasses, it’s a timeless recipe that’s been passed down through generations.

💡 Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee by the tree.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Christmas Fruit Cake

  • Classic Southern flavor — rich, buttery, and warmly spiced.

  • Perfect make-ahead dessert — tastes even better after a day or two.

  • Customizable — use your favorite dried fruits and nuts.

  • Beautiful for gifting — wrap it up for a homemade Christmas touch!

🧁 Ingredients

(affiliate-friendly section — perfect for linking ingredients to online stores)

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 4 large eggs

  • ¼ cup molasses or dark corn syrup

  • ½ cup orange juice

  • 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, cherries, apricots)

  • 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional soak: ¼ cup brandy, rum, or orange juice (to brush after baking)

🍽️ Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a loaf or bundt pan with parchment paper.

  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

  3. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in molasses and vanilla.

  5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and orange juice, mixing until just combined.

  6. Fold in the dried fruits and nuts.

  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

  8. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  9. Cool completely, then brush with brandy or orange juice if desired. Wrap tightly and store for 1–2 days before serving for the best flavor.

🎁 Serving & Storage Tips

  • To serve: Slice thinly and enjoy with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

  • To store: Keep wrapped in parchment and foil at room temp for up to 2 weeks.

  • To gift: Wrap in parchment and tie with festive ribbon — a classic Southern homemade treat!

🕯️ Make It Your Own

  • Add a hint of lemon or orange zest for brightness.

  • Swap pecans for toasted almonds for a lighter flavor.

  • For a non-alcoholic soak, use apple cider instead of brandy.

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