Fruit Cake

Name: Fruit Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mixed
Ingredients: 2 large eggs, at room temperature; ½ cup + 2 Tbsp (125 grams) sugar; ¾ cup (190 grams) full-fat yogurt, at room temperature; ¼ cup + 1 tbsp (75 ml) vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional); 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional); 1 ½ cup (190 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ⅙ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cup diced fruit or berries (see notes below)*; 1-2 tablespoons apricot jam or honey, to glaze (optional)

By:

Sarah

Published:

September 27, 2025

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Fruit cake is often a holiday classic, but it’s surprisingly versatile and can be enjoyed all year round. There’s something special about biting into a slice and tasting all the juicy, fresh fruits intertwined within a moist cake. Whether you’re gathering with friends for a cozy afternoon or celebrating a birthday, this fruit cake has a way of bringing people together. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a piece of tradition that can spark nostalgia for so many of us. Plus, it’s easy to make, and the ingredients can often be found in your pantry or fridge! Today, we’re going to whip up a delightful fruit cake that stays moist with the help of yogurt and packs in lots of vibrant flavors. So, grab your apron, and let’s have some fun baking this delicious treat together!

Why This Recipe Works

This fruit cake recipe stands out because it incorporates yogurt, which adds moisture and a rich flavor. Yogurt helps make the cake tender and soft, giving it a nice melt-in-your-mouth texture. The balance of sweetness comes from fresh fruits mixed in, allowing you to adjust how sweet you want it. Plus, using room temperature ingredients makes a difference, as they blend better, resulting in a lovely, uniform batter. When everything is at the right temperature, the cake will rise perfectly and hold together nicely.

Why You’ll Love This Fruit Cake

Imagine a fruit cake bursting with vibrant flavors and unique textures. Each bite brings a mix of tangy and sweet notes. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. It’s super versatile! Want to serve it at a picnic? Go for it! Looking for a dessert for a dinner party? This cake has you covered! Furthermore, this recipe often evokes fond memories and traditions passed down through families. Baking a fruit cake can become a lovely way to connect with those you cherish.

Ingredients

2 large eggs, at room temperature
½ cup + 2 Tbsp (125 grams) sugar
¾ cup (190 grams) full-fat yogurt, at room temperature
¼ cup + 1 tbsp (75 ml) vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
1 ½ cup (190 grams) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
⅙ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cup diced fruit or berries (see notes below)*
1-2 tablespoons apricot jam or honey, to glaze (optional)

Preparing Your Fruit Cake Mixture

Preheat Oven and Prepare Cake Pan

To kick things off, preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C) and set the rack in the middle position. While that warms up, grab a spring-form cake pan (around 21 cm/8.5 inches or 23 cm/9 inches) and line the bottom with parchment paper. Generously grease the sides and bottom of the pan with butter and flour, ensuring your cake doesn’t stick later.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir and set it aside for later.

Beat Eggs and Sugar

Using either a stand mixer or an electric beater, beat the eggs and sugar together for about 3-4 minutes. You’re aiming for a pale and fluffy mixture here, so don’t rush this step!

Add Wet Ingredients

Next, slowly reduce the mixer speed and add the vegetable oil, yogurt, vanilla extract, and optional lemon/orange zest. Continue mixing until everything is smooth and well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the flour mixture using a spatula. It’s crucial to mix just until combined; overworking the batter can lead to a denser cake. Keep it light and airy!

Add Fruit and Bake

Now, transfer the batter to your prepared cake pan and level the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the diced fruit or berries evenly across the surface. Bake the cake for 30 minutes, but resist the urge to open the oven door! After 28 minutes, test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, but never wet batter.

Cool and Glaze the Cake

Once baked, transfer the cake to a cooling rack. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before gently removing it from the pan. If you like, you can brush the top with warm honey or apricot jam for a shiny finish that adds a touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair slices of your fruit cake with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
For a comforting afternoon snack, serve it alongside your favorite cup of tea or coffee.

Tips for Success

Always make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
Experiment! Try different fruits to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.

Variations

You can easily switch things up! For an extra taste dimension, consider substituting plain yogurt with flavored yogurt. Adding nuts or spices like cinnamon can also give it a delightful kick.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture.
If you want to store it longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months—just make sure to wrap it well!

Pairing Ideas

A light fruit syrup would complement this cake beautifully.
A fresh fruit salad can enhance the flavors with added freshness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use frozen fruit, but be sure to let it thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the batter. This will help keep the cake from getting soggy.

How do I know when the cake is done?

To check, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, your cake is good to go! Just avoid any wet batter.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes indeed! This fruit cake is perfect for making a day ahead. Often, flavors develop even more overnight, adding to its deliciousness.

What other fruits work well in this recipe?

You can explore a variety of fruits in this recipe! Think apples, pears, peaches, or berries—grab what you love or what’s in season to make it your very own.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can easily substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option.

This delightful fruit cake offers a fantastic blend of sweetness and fruitiness, making it an inviting dessert for gatherings. With its straightforward preparation and diverse flavor combinations, it’s bound to be a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting with different fruits and glazes to create your very own signature fruit cake!

Fruit Cake

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Fruit Cake

Ingredients