Just like grandma's, only better!
Most people give fruit cake a bad rap, but our Cranberry Apricot Fruit Cake will make you a believer! We’ve packed a ton of flavor into our version of this classic cake with dried cranberries and apricots, spices, lemon zest, and almond extract. Honey, molasses, and maple syrup add subtle sweetness, so it isn’t overly sugary like most fruit cakes.
We promise that our version won’t get tossed as soon as your back is turned, and it isn’t dense enough to be a doorstop! Your family and friends will actually enjoy it, so be bold and take it to your next holiday gathering!
Cranberry Apricot Fruit Cake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries chopped
- 1/2 cup dried apricots chopped
- 3 tablespoons brandy optional
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cups whole-wheat flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt plain
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond milk
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, apricots, brandy (if using), water, and honey in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal the lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 1 day. The longer the dried fruit sets, the better the flavor.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a bread pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt in a small bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Whisk until no lumps remain. Gradually stir in the flour mixture, mix until just combined. (A few lumps in the batter are okay.) Drain the dried fruit and fold into batter.
- Pour into prepared pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once cooked, allow to cool for 15 minutes before removing from pan. Cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
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If you’re looking for more holiday desserts, check out our Top 10 Holiday Dessert Recipes.
Did you try our take on fruit cake? Let us know what you thought in the comments!
Hi is there any household ingredients that can be used to replace molasses? Thanks 🙂
Clara, The best replacements: sorghum molasses, maple syrup, agave syrup…in that order for the best replacement.