Tennessee Christmas Fruit Cake 🎄🍰

Moist, rich, buttery, and packed with colorful fruit and crunchy nuts — this classic holiday fruit cake is perfect for Christmas gatherings and cozy winter desserts!

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed dried fruit
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

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Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
   • brown sugar
   • eggs
   • melted butter
   • orange juice
2. Mix until smooth and well combined.

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Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In another bowl, mix:
   • flour
   • baking powder
   • cinnamon
   • salt
2. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.

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Step 4: Add Fruit and Nuts

1. Fold in:
   • mixed dried fruit
   • chopped pecans or walnuts
2. Stir until evenly distributed.

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Step 5: Bake

1. Pour batter into prepared cake pan.
2. Smooth the top evenly.
3. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

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Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Let cake cool in pan for 10–15 minutes.
2. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.

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Tips

• Soak dried fruits in orange juice overnight for extra flavor.
• Add cherries or candied fruit for a festive look.
• Tastes even better the next day after flavors settle.

Enjoy your homemade Tennessee Christmas Fruit Cake! 🎄