23 Festive Fruitcake Recipes That Even Haters Will Love

Introduction

Fruitcake has a reputation for being dense and overly sweet — but these modern, festive recipes will make you think again. From boozy classics to tropical twists and gluten-free versions, these fruitcakes are moist, flavorful, and perfect for holiday gatherings. Let’s get baking!

1. Classic British Christmas Fruitcake

This timeless recipe gives you the deep, traditional flavors of Christmas in every bite.

Ingredients

2 cups mixed dried fruit
¾ cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs
½ cup brandy or rum
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line an 8-inch cake pan with parchment.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then fold in flour, baking powder, and spices.
Stir in soaked fruits and brandy.
Bake for 2–2½ hours, or until a skewer comes out clean.
Cool completely before serving.

How to Serve It

Brush with extra brandy and wrap tightly. Let it mature for a few days for the best flavor.

2. Moist Rum-Soaked Caribbean Fruitcake

This tropical treat blends soaked fruits, molasses, and rum for a cake that’s rich and fragrant.

Ingredients

2 cups mixed dried tropical fruits
1 cup dark rum (for soaking)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
1 cup flour
3 eggs
1 tbsp molasses
1 tsp allspice
½ tsp cloves

Instructions

Soak dried fruits in rum overnight.
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, and stir in molasses.
Fold in flour and spices.
Add soaked fruits (with rum).
Bake for 90 minutes. Cool, then brush with more rum.

How to Serve It

Serve slices with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

3. Gluten-Free Holiday Fruitcake

Perfect for guests avoiding gluten — still moist, dense, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

2 cups gluten-free flour blend
1½ cups mixed dried fruit
¾ cup butter
¾ cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup orange juice
1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
Combine flour, baking powder, and dried fruits.
Add to wet mixture with orange juice.
Bake for 1 hour, until golden and firm.
Cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve It

Dust with powdered sugar and serve with hot tea.

4. Chocolate Cherry Fruitcake

A luxurious twist with cocoa and juicy cherries — perfect for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

1 cup butter
¾ cup sugar
3 eggs
1½ cups flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 cup mixed dried fruit
½ cup chopped cherries
½ cup milk
1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Beat butter and sugar, add eggs.
Mix flour, cocoa, and baking powder.
Combine wet and dry ingredients, add fruits and cherries.
Bake 50–60 minutes, until set.
Top with melted chocolate once cooled.

How to Serve It

Garnish with candied cherries and a drizzle of chocolate.

5. Mini Fruitcake Cupcakes

These bite-sized cakes are perfect for gifting or party trays.

Ingredients

1 cup mixed dried fruit
½ cup butter
½ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ cup milk
½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Beat butter and sugar until light.
Add eggs, then mix in dry ingredients and milk.
Stir in fruits and cinnamon.
Pour into muffin cups and bake 25–30 minutes.
Cool and glaze if desired.

How to Serve It

Wrap each cupcake in parchment and tie with ribbon for a festive touch.

6. Boozy Brandy Fruitcake Loaf

This aromatic loaf has brandy-soaked fruits and a warm, spicy kick.

Ingredients

2 cups mixed dried fruit
½ cup brandy
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
3 eggs
1½ cups flour
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ginger

Instructions

Soak fruits in brandy overnight.
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs.
Stir in flour and spices.
Add soaked fruits and mix well.
Bake 90 minutes or until firm. Brush with more brandy.

How to Serve It

Slice and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

7. Vegan Fruitcake with Almond Glaze

This plant-based fruitcake is soft, nutty, and festive — no dairy or eggs needed.

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour
1½ cups mixed dried fruit
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup almond milk
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix sugar, oil, and almond milk.
Combine dry ingredients and add to wet mix.
Fold in dried fruits.
Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake 45–55 minutes.
Cool, then drizzle almond glaze.

How to Serve It

Top with toasted almonds and serve with herbal tea.

8. Spiced Orange Cranberry Fruitcake

A fragrant cake bursting with tart cranberries and citrus — perfect for winter mornings.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
½ cup butter
3 eggs
1 cup dried cranberries
1 tbsp orange zest
½ cup orange juice
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, then mix in zest and juice.
Combine flour, baking powder, and cinnamon; fold into batter.
Stir in cranberries.
Bake for 50–60 minutes until golden and firm.

How to Serve It

Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh orange slices.

9. Maple Pecan Fruitcake

Sweet maple syrup gives this cake a cozy fall flavor with crunchy pecans.

Ingredients

1½ cups flour
¾ cup butter
¾ cup brown sugar
3 eggs
½ cup maple syrup
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup mixed dried fruit
1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and maple syrup.
Mix flour and baking powder, then combine with wet mixture.
Fold in fruits and pecans.
Bake 60 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

How to Serve It

Drizzle with warm maple glaze and serve with coffee.

10. Pineapple Coconut Tropical Fruitcake

A taste of the tropics — sweet pineapple and coconut make this fruitcake moist and refreshing.

Ingredients

1½ cups flour
½ cup sugar
½ cup butter
2 eggs
1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
½ cup shredded coconut
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla.
Mix flour and baking powder; fold into wet mixture.
Add pineapple and coconut.
Bake 45–50 minutes until golden.

How to Serve It

Top with toasted coconut flakes and serve chilled.

11. Apple Cinnamon Fruitcake

Soft, spicy, and loaded with apples — perfect for cozy afternoons.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
½ cup butter
2 eggs
1 cup chopped apples
½ cup raisins
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
½ cup yogurt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix butter and sugar, then add eggs and yogurt.
Stir in flour, soda, and cinnamon.
Fold in apples and raisins.
Bake 55–60 minutes, until firm and fragrant.

How to Serve It

Serve warm with vanilla glaze or caramel drizzle.

12. Boozy Chocolate Rum Fruitcake

Deep chocolate and rum create an indulgent Christmas centerpiece.

Ingredients

1 cup butter
¾ cup sugar
3 eggs
1½ cups flour
¼ cup cocoa powder
½ cup rum
1 cup soaked fruits
1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs.
Mix in cocoa, flour, baking powder, and rum.
Fold in fruits and bake 75 minutes.
Cool, then top with ganache.

How to Serve It

Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream.

13. Cherry Almond Fruitcake

Bright cherries and nutty almonds make this cake as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
½ cup butter
2 eggs
1 cup chopped cherries
½ cup sliced almonds
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and extract.
Mix dry ingredients and combine with wet mix.
Stir in cherries and almonds.
Bake 55 minutes or until golden.

How to Serve It

Top with a light almond glaze for a festive finish.

14. Date & Walnut Fruitcake

Sweet dates and crunchy walnuts make this fruitcake wholesome and satisfying.

Ingredients

1½ cups chopped dates
1 cup flour
¾ cup butter
¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
½ cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp baking soda
½ cup hot water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Soak dates in hot water with soda for 10 minutes.
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs.
Stir in flour and dates mixture.
Fold in walnuts.
Bake for 60–70 minutes.

How to Serve It

Brush with caramel glaze and sprinkle extra nuts on top.

15. Cranberry Pistachio Fruitcake

Colorful, chewy, and slightly tart — a holiday favorite for gifting.

Ingredients

1½ cups flour
¾ cup butter
¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pistachios
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla.
Mix dry ingredients and fold into batter.
Stir in cranberries and pistachios.
Bake for 50 minutes.

How to Serve It

Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

16. Bourbon Pecan Fruitcake

This southern-style cake is bold, nutty, and infused with bourbon flavor.

Ingredients

1½ cups flour
¾ cup butter
¾ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
½ cup bourbon
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup dried fruit
1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Soak fruits in bourbon overnight.
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs.
Add flour and cinnamon, fold in fruits and pecans.
Bake for 90 minutes.
Brush with extra bourbon after baking.

How to Serve It

Slice thin and serve with a drizzle of bourbon glaze.

17. White Fruitcake with Golden Raisins

A lighter, buttery version of the classic — sweet, soft, and festive.

Ingredients

1 cup butter
¾ cup sugar
3 eggs
1½ cups flour
1 cup golden raisins
½ cup chopped nuts
½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs.
Mix flour and baking powder, fold in nuts and raisins.
Pour into pan and bake 70 minutes.
Cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve It

Serve with a drizzle of vanilla icing or whipped cream.

18. Fig & Honey Fruitcake

Naturally sweet from honey and figs, this cake pairs beautifully with tea.

Ingredients

1½ cups flour
¾ cup butter
½ cup honey
2 eggs
1 cup chopped figs
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and honey, add eggs.
Mix in dry ingredients and figs.
Bake for 50–60 minutes until firm.
Brush with warm honey glaze.

How to Serve It

19. Tropical Mango Fruitcake

Juicy mango gives this cake a sunny, fruity flavor that feels like vacation.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup diced mango
¾ cup sugar
½ cup butter
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla.
Stir in dry ingredients, fold in mango.
Bake 45–50 minutes.
Cool before slicing.

How to Serve It

Top with coconut glaze for a tropical touch.

20. Gingerbread Fruitcake

Combines the best of gingerbread spice and fruitcake richness.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup molasses
½ cup butter
½ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup mixed dried fruit
1 tsp baking soda

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Beat butter, sugar, and eggs. Add molasses.
Mix dry ingredients and stir into wet mixture.
Fold in fruits.
Bake 70 minutes. Cool fully before slicing.

How to Serve It

Serve warm with a dollop of spiced whipped cream.

21. Apricot Brandy Fruitcake

Light and aromatic — apricot and brandy make an elegant pairing.

Ingredients

1½ cups flour
¾ cup butter
¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup chopped dried apricots
½ cup brandy
1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Soak apricots in brandy for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs.
Fold in flour, baking powder, and apricots.
Bake 60 minutes. Brush with brandy glaze.

How to Serve It

Serve with whipped cream or vanilla custard.

22. Plum & Spice Fruitcake

Plums add a soft texture and tangy flavor to this richly spiced cake.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
¾ cup butter
¾ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup chopped plums
½ tsp cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream butter and sugar, add eggs.
Stir in dry ingredients and plums.
Bake for 55–60 minutes.
Cool before slicing.

How to Serve It

Top with plum compote for extra flavor.

23. No-Bake Fruitcake Bites

Quick and easy — all the fruitcake flavor, no oven required!

Ingredients

2 cups crushed biscuits
1 cup chopped dried fruit
½ cup condensed milk
½ cup desiccated coconut
1 tbsp honey

Instructions

Mix biscuits, fruit, and coconut in a bowl.
Add condensed milk and honey.
Shape into small balls.
Chill for 1 hour before serving.

How to Serve It

Roll in extra coconut or drizzle melted chocolate.

Conclusion

Whether you love the classics or prefer fruity modern twists, these fruitcake recipes offer something for everyone at your holiday table. Bake a few, share them with loved ones, and watch even the skeptics reach for a second slice.

Emily Carter