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Fruitcake Without Citron

Fruitcake Without Citron or Mixed Peel

Say goodbye to the bitterness of citron and mixed peel! This fruitcake without citron or mixed peel is rich, moist, and packed with naturally sweet dried fruits and warming spices. A perfect holiday dessert for those who love tradition but crave a modern, fruit-forward twist.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)

Ingredients

 Ingredients

  • 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

  • ¼ tsp ground cloves

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

  • ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, packed

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • ¼ cup (60ml) orange juice (or apple cider)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 tbsp molasses or honey

  • 1½ cups (225g) chopped dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots, dates)

  • ½ cup (60g) chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds – optional)

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for tossing dried fruits)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

  • Prepare dried fruits. Toss chopped dried fruits with 2 tbsp flour. Set aside.

  • Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

  • Cream butter and sugar. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

  • Add eggs and flavorings. Beat in eggs one at a time. Then add vanilla, molasses (or honey), and orange juice.

  • Combine wet and dry. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet until combined.

  • Fold in fruits and nuts. Gently stir in the floured fruits and optional nuts.

  • Bake. Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth top and bake for 60–70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

 

  • Cool. Let cool in pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Store fruitcake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

  • Substitute apple juice, pineapple juice, or spiced tea for a different flavor base.

 

  • Want a boozy version? Soak the dried fruits in rum or brandy overnight and omit the orange juice.

  • Author: Hailee Nova
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American / Holiday

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Fruitcake Without Citron, peel-free fruitcake, dried fruit cake, easy fruitcake recipe, holiday baking