Introduction
When it comes to holiday treats, fruit cake is often a topic of love—or, well, strong opinions. But here’s the thing: Costco Fruit Cake has earned a reputation that may just change the way you think about this classic dessert. Known for its rich, moist texture and a perfect balance of fruits, nuts, and spices, it stands out from the traditional fruit cakes you might be used to. This fruit cake is more than just a festive treat; it’s a true crowd-pleaser that will make you rethink the whole fruit cake debate!
What sets Costco Fruit Cake version apart is not only its incredible flavor but also its approachability. Forget the heavy, overly sweet, dense fruit cakes of the past. This version is lighter, tastier, and, dare we say, addictively delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply want to enjoy a slice with a cup of tea, this fruit cake recipe is a surefire winner. Let’s dive into why Costco’s fruit cake deserves a place on your dessert table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Before we get into the details, let’s take a moment to appreciate why Costco Fruit Cake is a must-try for your next celebration or holiday gathering:
- Balanced Flavor: This fruit cake combines a lovely mix of dried fruits and nuts, providing a wonderful blend of sweetness and texture.
- Moist and Light: Unlike many dense fruit cakes, this one is moist and soft, with just the right amount of spices.
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrapped in festive packaging, it’s a perfect treat for friends, family, or coworkers during the holiday season.
- Family-Friendly: Whether it’s for a Christmas dinner or a cozy afternoon snack, it’s a cake that everyone from kids to adults can enjoy.
- Cost-Effective: Costco is known for great deals, and their fruit cake is no exception—it provides a generous amount for a reasonable price.
- Easy to Make (and Store): This recipe comes together quickly and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other holiday preparations.
- Great for Leftovers: Fruit cake tends to improve with age, so any leftovers can be enjoyed later—if they last that long!
Preparation Time and Cook Time
- Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling)
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Servings: 12-16 slices
- Calories per Slice: Approximately 300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Fiber: 3g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 5g
Ingredients
To make a delicious homemade Costco Fruit Cake, here’s what you’ll need to gather:
For the Fruit Cake:
- 1 ½ cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, dried apricots, and dried cranberries)
- 1 ½ cups chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds work best)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (for moisture)
- ½ cup dark rum or orange juice (rum adds depth, but you can use orange juice for a non-alcoholic option)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped candied ginger (optional, but it adds a fantastic zing!)
Ingredient Highlights
- Mixed Dried Fruit: The combination of raisins, apricots, and cranberries gives this fruit cake a rich, complex flavor.
- Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds provide the perfect crunch and complement the soft, moist fruit.
- Applesauce: Helps to keep the fruit cake moist while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- Rum or Orange Juice: Adds a rich flavor that makes this fruit cake stand out from others, with the rum enhancing the depth of flavor, while orange juice offers a lighter option.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice are classic holiday spices that give the cake its comforting aroma and taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making this Costco Fruit Cake.
Prepare the Fruit and Nuts
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, or use a springform pan for easy removal.
- Soak the Fruit: In a medium bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit and chopped candied ginger (if using). Pour the dark rum (or orange juice) over the fruit and let it soak for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps soften the fruit and infuse it with flavor.
- Toast the Nuts: In a separate pan, toast your nuts over medium heat for about 5 minutes, just until they start to release their oils and become fragrant. Remove them from heat and set aside to cool.
Make the Batter
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add the Fruit and Nuts: Stir in the soaked dried fruit, nuts, and applesauce. Make sure everything is evenly distributed in the batter.
Bake the Cake
- Transfer to the Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake the fruit cake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Depending on your oven, this time may vary slightly, so check after 1 hour and adjust as needed.
- Cool: Once baked, allow the fruit cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve
There’s no right or wrong way to serve your Costco Fruit Cake, but here are a few ideas to elevate your presentation:
- Slice and Serve: Cut into generous slices and serve as-is for a simple yet delicious treat.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: Serve with a cup of hot coffee or tea for the ultimate afternoon snack.
- With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Wrap for Gifts: This fruit cake makes a perfect homemade gift! Wrap individual slices in wax paper or plastic wrap and tie with festive ribbon.
- Serve with Cheese: For a more savory twist, pair slices with a selection of cheeses for a unique dessert experience.
Additional Tips
To make the most of your Costco Fruit Cake recipe, consider these helpful tips:
- Age the Cake: Like many fruit cakes, this one actually improves with age. After it cools completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For even better flavor, wrap it tightly and let it sit for a few days before serving.
- Freeze for Later: If you’re not going to serve the cake right away, freeze it! Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
- Use a Mix of Dried Fruits: Experiment with different combinations of dried fruits like prunes, dates, or figs for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
- Check for Doneness: Because fruit cakes are dense, it’s important to test for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Recipe Variations
Looking for a twist on this classic Costco Fruit Cake? Try one of these variations:
- Chocolate Chip Fruit Cake: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a little extra indulgence.
- Citrus Zest: For a bright burst of flavor, add some orange or lemon zest to the batter.
- Spiced Fruit Cake: Add ground cloves or ginger to the spices for a warmer, more aromatic flavor.
- Alcohol-Free Version: Skip the rum and use apple cider or a splash of vanilla extract for a kid-friendly version.
- Nut-Free: Simply omit the nuts if you have allergies or want a smoother texture.
Freezing and Storage
To ensure your Costco Fruit Cake stays fresh, store and freeze it properly:
- Storage: Store the fruit cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze the fruit cake for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
faq section
If you have any questions about making this Costco Fruit Cake, you’re not alone! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help guide you along the way:
- Can I make this fruit cake ahead of time?
- Absolutely! In fact, this cake improves with age. You can make it up to a week ahead of your event and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Can I substitute the rum in the recipe?
- Yes, you can use orange juice, apple cider, or even a little bit of vanilla extract as a non-alcoholic substitute.
- How long can I store this fruit cake?
- Store the fruit cake in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Can I use different dried fruits?
- Yes! Feel free to mix and match with fruits like dried figs, prunes, or dates for a unique flavor.
- Can I make this recipe without nuts?
- Of course! Simply omit the nuts for a nut-free version of the fruit cake.
Costco Fruit Cake
- Total Time: 2 hrs.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fruit Cake:
- 1 ½ cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, dried apricots, and dried cranberries)
- 1 ½ cups chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds work best)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (for moisture)
- ½ cup dark rum or orange juice (rum adds depth, but you can use orange juice for a non-alcoholic option)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped candied ginger (optional, but it adds a fantastic zing!)
Instructions
Prepare the Fruit and Nuts
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, or use a springform pan for easy removal.
- Soak the Fruit: In a medium bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit and chopped candied ginger (if using). Pour the dark rum (or orange juice) over the fruit and let it soak for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps soften the fruit and infuse it with flavor.
- Toast the Nuts: In a separate pan, toast your nuts over medium heat for about 5 minutes, just until they start to release their oils and become fragrant. Remove them from heat and set aside to cool.
Make the Batter
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add the Fruit and Nuts: Stir in the soaked dried fruit, nuts, and applesauce. Make sure everything is evenly distributed in the batter.
Bake the Cake
- Transfer to the Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake the fruit cake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Depending on your oven, this time may vary slightly, so check after 1 hour and adjust as needed.
- Cool: Once baked, allow the fruit cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 30 min.
- Cook Time: 1 hr. and 30 min.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12-16 slices
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
Conclusion
This Costco Fruit Cake recipe is a keeper, offering a moist, flavorful dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any occasion. From family gatherings to solo snacking with a cup of coffee, it’s a festive treat that everyone can enjoy. Whether you serve it on its own or paired with a little extra sweetness, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!
