How to Make Grandma Leach's Fruitcake - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's something special about family recipes that have been passed down through generations. They carry with them the love and traditions of the past, and often bring back memories of cherished moments spent with loved ones. Grandma Leach's Fruitcake is one such recipe that has been a staple in our family for as long as I can remember. This classic fruitcake is not only delicious, but also holds a special place in our hearts as it has been a part of our holiday celebrations for as long as I...

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground cloves
  • 3 cups unsweetened applesauce
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup chopped pitted dates
  • 1 pound candied mixed fruit
  • 2 cups chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup walnut halves (Optional)
  • 1 cup halved candied cherries (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
  • Servings: 48
  • Yield: 48 servings

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch tube pan and one 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  • Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and cloves into a large bowl. Stir in the applesauce and oil, then mix in the raisins, dates, mixed fruit and 2 cups of walnuts. Pour into the prepared pans. Pans should be about 3/4 full if using mini pans, or an assortment.
  • Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the crown of the cake comes out clean.
  • Cool cake and decorate with walnut halves and candied cherry halves.
  • Nutrition

    210 cal.

    • Total Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Sodium: 132mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 35g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 16g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 21mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 122mg