This Christmas Fruit Cake with Fireball Whiskey is a delicious spiced cake with Fireball-soaked fruit.
I didn't grow up eating fruit cake. It was actually the butt of lots of jokes as far as I can remember. However, my wife's family loves it. I learned that fruitcake, when done right, can be delicious. And, if you know me, then you know I'm all about creating boozy versions of classic desserts. So this boozy fruit cake is actually the first fruit cake I've ever made.
After quite a bit of research into traditional fruitcake, I made a few adjustments to the traditional ingredients. First, I used Fireball to add cinnamon flavor, but I didn't actually add cinnamon. Second, I swapped the artificially flavored and died candied fruit- which according to this article is actually melon rind that's been dyed and flavored - with real, dried, fruit. And I really hate those bright red cherries swimming in chemicals that I can't even pronounce, so instead I used bada bing cherries that you would use to make Old Fashions!
The Process
Cut dried fruits into small pieces. All pieces should be about the size of raisins.
Place fruit in a dish that can be covered with an airtight seal, like a Pyrex dish. Using a microplane, top the fruit with zest of lemon and orange.
Pour in Fireball whiskey. Mix well, then press fruit down so that they're all submerged.
Cover with airtight seal and leave at room temperature overnight. If need be, you can microwave them for 5 minutes - but it's not the same.
Add whiskey-soaked fruit to pot, along with butter, sugar, apple cider, and spices. Bring up to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes - stirring frequently.
Then remove from heat and allow to cool completely, or at least 20 minutes.
Add all dry ingredients to mixing bowl - flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix together with a whisk.
Using a fine mesh strainer (or a sifter, if you have one)...
...pour dry ingredients into strainer...
...and sift into wet ingredients.
...and sift into wet ingredients.
Using a rubber spatula...
...mix together all ingredients.
Once fully combined, add and mix eggs one at a time...
...until fully incorporated.
Spray a 10-inch loaf pan
with nonstick cooking spray.
Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for one hour in an oven preheated to 325 degrees. Check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it's done. If not, cook and check every 10 minutes. Then remove and allow to cool completely before removing from pan. You may need to use a knife to help release from edges, then very carefully turn out cake. It's very moist and fragile.
And this is the AMAZING Result…
★ Did you make this Boozy Fruit Cake? Please give it a star rating below! ★
Boozy Fruit Cake with Fireball Whiskey
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried apricots
- ½ cup dried pineapples
- ½ cup golden raisins
- ½ cup pitted dates
- ½ cup bada bing cherries
- ¼ cup crystalized ginger
- zest of one orange
- zest of one lemon
- 300 ml Fireball whiskey
- 5 oz. butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- ½ tsp. ground allspice
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- 1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Cut dried fruits into small pieces. All pieces should be about the size of raisins. Place fruit in a dish that can be covered with an airtight seal, like a Pyrex dish. Using a microplane, top the fruit with zest of lemon and orange. Pour in Fireball whiskey. Mix well, then press fruit down so that they’re all submerged. Cover with airtight seal and leave at room temperature overnight. If need be, you can microwave them for 5 minutes – but it’s not the same.
- Add whiskey-soaked fruit to pot, along with butter, sugar, apple cider, and spices. Bring up to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes – stirring frequently. Then remove from heat and allow to cool completely, or at least 20 minutes.
- Add all dry ingredients to mixing bowl – flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix together with a whisk. Using a fine mesh strainer (or a sifter, if you have one), pour dry ingredients into strainer and sift into wet ingredients.
- Using a rubber spatula, mix together all ingredients. Once fully combined, add and mix eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Spray a 10-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for one hour in an oven preheated to 325 degrees. Check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it’s done. If not, cook and check every 10 minutes.
- Then remove and allow to cool completely before removing from pan. You may need to use a knife to help release from edges, then very carefully turn out cake. It’s very moist and fragile.
Nutrition
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Rebecca
This was so moist and had a great flavor. The fireball wasn't overpowering at all, just the right touch.
LEON AALDERKS
Can these be made ahead & frozen.
Can these be made in smaller tins?
Gary White
I believe the answer to both questions is yes; Although, I have not tested either.