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Tennessee Fruit Cake

A delightful Southern fruit cake packed with dried fruits and nuts, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries, and apricots) Roughly chopped if large.
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts and pecans) Finely chopped to prevent sinking.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature Ensure it's at room temperature for better mixing.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature Ensure they are at room temperature.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whiskey or rum (optional) A Tennessee touch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently.
Mixing
  1. Carefully fold in mixed dried fruits, nuts, vanilla extract, and whiskey or rum if using.
  2. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Flavor can be enhanced with a tablespoon of orange zest.