Grandma’s Easy Fruit and Nut Cake Recipe (No Eggs, No Butter!)

There’s something magical about the warm aroma of baking wafting through the house, isn’t there? It instantly brings back sweet memories of gathering around the kitchen table with family, laughter blending with the notes of that comforting scent. Today, I’m excited to share my beloved Fruit and Nut Cake recipe, a treasure that has been passed down in my family. This cheerful, vibrant cake full of candied fruits and nuts is perfect for any occasion. It’s like a big, warm hug from Grandma every time I take a bite.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make
• Comforting homemade flavor
• Made with simple ingredients
• Great for any occasion
• Always a crowd-pleaser

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into making this delicious Fruit and Nut Cake, make sure you have these ingredients gathered:

• 1 pound candied cherries
  (Sweet and colorful, they add a joyful pop!)
• 1 pound candied pineapple
  (Brings a sunny tropical flair.)
• 1 pound pitted dates
  (These add a rich, chewy sweetness.)
• 1 pound chopped pecans
  (Crunchy, nutty goodness!)
• 4 (8 ounce) packages flaked coconut
  (This gives the cake a delightful texture and flavor.)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  (Helps bind everything together.)
• 2 (14 ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk
  (The key to that luscious texture!)

How to Make It

Let’s get started with this cozy baking adventure!

1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Take a moment to breathe in the anticipation of all those delightful flavors mingling together.
2. Grease a 10-inch tube pan and line the bottom with some greased parchment paper. This little extra step ensures your cake releases easily later on.
3. In a large mixing bowl, chop the fruit and nuts. Feel the textures of each piece as you chop, letting your senses immerse in the colorful sights and sweet scents.
4. Next, add the flaked coconut. Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together. There’s something so grounding about using your hands to cook, isn’t there? It really connects you to your food!
5. Stir in the flour to help bind everything together, followed by the sweetened condensed milk. Imagine the creamy goodness melding with the fruits and nuts — oh, it’s heavenly!
6. Pack the mixture firmly into the prepared tube pan, making sure it’s compact and ready to bake.
7. Now, it’s time to pop it in the oven! Bake for 1 and a half hours. The delightful smell will start to fill your kitchen.
8. Once the timer goes off, remove from the oven. With a knife, gently run it around the edge to loosen the cake, and take off the pan rim. When the cake is just slightly warm, carefully remove the tube bottom and the parchment paper.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saving trick: Chop all your fruits and nuts the night before and store them in an airtight container. This way, you’re all set for baking!
• Common mistake fix: If your Fruit and Nut Cake seems too dry, make sure you’re generously mixing the condensed milk into your ingredients. It should feel moist and cohesive.
• Creative twist: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor that complements the fruits beautifully.

Serving Ideas

This Fruit and Nut Cake shines at family dinners, Sunday brunches, or cozy nights in with friends. Serve it warm, possibly paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You could also drizzle a little honey on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Storing & Leftovers

• To store, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about a week.
• If you prefer to freeze it, slice it up and wrap individual pieces for a sweet treat that’s easy to grab later on!
• For a fun leftover idea, try using the cake in a bread pudding! Just cubed and baked with a little milk and eggs, it makes for a decadent dessert.

Fruit and Nut Cake

A delightful and vibrant cake filled with candied fruits and nuts, perfect for any occasion, evoking sweet memories of family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Baked Goods

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Fruits and Nuts

• 1 pound candied cherries Sweet and colorful, they add a joyful pop!
• 1 pound candied pineapple Brings a sunny tropical flair.
• 1 pound pitted dates These add a rich, chewy sweetness.
• 1 pound chopped pecans Crunchy, nutty goodness!
• 4 packages (8 ounces each) flaked coconut This gives the cake a delightful texture and flavor.

Baking Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour Helps bind everything together.
• 2 cans (14 ounces each) sweetened condensed milk The key to that luscious texture!

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
2. Grease a 10-inch tube pan and line the bottom with greased parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, chop the fruit and nuts.
4. Add the flaked coconut and mix all the ingredients together using your hands.
5. Stir in the flour followed by the sweetened condensed milk.
6. Pack the mixture firmly into the prepared tube pan.

Baking

1. Bake for 1 and a half hours.
2. Remove from the oven and run a knife around the edge to loosen the cake.
3. Take off the pan rim and carefully remove the tube bottom and parchment paper when the cake is slightly warm.

Notes

To save time, chop the fruits and nuts the night before and store in an airtight container. If the cake seems too dry, ensure the condensed milk is mixed well. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Fruit and Nut Cake holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of family gatherings and love-filled kitchens. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a memory maker, a reason to gather, and an invitation to share smiles. I hope you get a chance to try it and make it your own. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy the journey of making this lovely Fruit and Nut Cake! 🍰 💖

More Resources

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are more tasty ideas and trusted kitchen reads to explore:

From SmartCookRecipes.com

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread (Moist, Cozy & Easy) – This cozy loaf is perfect for cool-weather gatherings, offering the same warmth and spice that fruit cakes bring to the table.
• Sweet Potato Pie Bars – Creamy, spiced, and festive — these bars are a delightful companion to any homemade treat.
• Healthy Banana Bread – Moist, Simple & Naturally Sweet – Sweet and satisfying, this wholesome bread complements the richness of fruit and nut cakes beautifully.
• Classic Butter Cookies – Keep the oven going with these melt-in-your-mouth cookies, a perfect bite to share after a slice of fruit cake.
• Birthday Cake Cookies – Soft, Chewy, and Fun – Colorful and celebratory, these cookies bring a cheerful flair just like your beloved candied fruit-packed favorite.

Trusted Sources Around the Web

• Cauliflower Health Benefits – Healthline – Curious about some of the wholesome swaps in baking? Explore the benefits of this surprisingly versatile veggie.
• Fun Cookie Decorating Ideas – Food Network – Make your holiday baking sparkle with decorating tips perfect for cookie platters and festive trays.