Light Candied Fruitcake Recipes

CASSANDRA'S "LIGHT" FRUITCAKE RECIPE

Steps:

• Combine the mixed dried fruit (including pineapple and currants) and crystallized ginger in a large bowl. Stir together with 1 cup brandy or bourbon; cover and set the mixture aside for 2 hours to infuse the dried fruit.
• Preheat the oven to 325˚F. Grease a tube pan with cooking spray. Meanwhile, cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl, and beat in eggs 1 at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Using a large wooden spoon or spatula, stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until thoroughly combined (do not beat with a mixer).
• Stir in the soaked fruit mixture and chopped pecans. The mixture will be thick.
• Scrape the mixture into the prepared tube pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the fruitcake comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes before removing from pan. Cool completely on a wire rack, about 45 minutes.
• Soak a layer of cheesecloth in enough brandy or bourbon to thoroughly moisten (about 1/2 cup). Wrap the fruitcake in the cheesecloth, and then wrap it in aluminum foil. Set aside to rest for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to soak in.

CANDIED FRUITCAKE

Steps:

• Combine dates and candied fruit in a small bowl; pour coffee and brandy over them, and stir to combine. Cover and macerate 6 hours or overnight.
• Place oven rack in lowest position and large roasting pan on rack. Fill pan halfway with hot water. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10-inch tube pan. Stir flour, mace, cinnamon, cloves, salt, baking powder and soda together in medium bowl; set aside.
• In mixer with paddle attachment, beat butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, 40 seconds. Scrape down bowl, add brown sugar, and beat until light and fluffy, 2 minutes. Mix in vanilla. Add eggs, beating well after each addition.
• With machine on low speed, add dry ingredients, and mix just to combine. Mix in dates, fruit and macerating liquid. Turn batter into cake pan, smoothing top. Bake in water bath until cake has risen and top is brown, about an hour. Remove cake from oven, cool in pan on wire rack 5 minutes, turn out of pan right-side up onto rack and cool completely.
• Heat sugar with 1 tablespoon water to a simmer, stirring to dissolve sugar. Simmer until syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat. Arrange slices of candied fruit on top of cake, and brush with syrup.

CANDIED FRUITCAKE SQUARES

Steps:

• Line an 8-in. square baking dish with parchment, letting ends extend up sides of pan; grease and set aside., In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the dates, pineapple and cherries; toss to coat. In a small bowl, whisk the egg, brown sugar and vanilla until blended; stir into fruit mixture. Stir in pecans. Press firmly into prepared baking dish., Bake at 325° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean and top is golden. Cool in pan for 10 minutes. Using parchment, transfer to a wire rack. Remove paper; cool fruitcake completely. , Using a serrated knife, cut into 1-in. squares. Store in an airtight container.

HOLIDAY FRUITCAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300°. Combine fruit and nuts. In another bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Pour over fruit and nuts; stir to coat. , Transfer to a greased and floured 10-in. tube pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 2 hours. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Wrap tightly and store in a cool place. Bring to room temperature before serving; slice with a serrated knife.