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### Instructions
1. **Soak the Fruit:**
– In a large bowl, combine the dried fruits, candied ginger, dates, dried cranberries or cherries, and orange zest.
– Pour the dark rum (or apple juice) and orange juice over the fruit mixture. Stir to combine, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let it soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. The longer it soaks, the more flavorful the fruitcake will be, so you can even leave it for up to 24 hours.
2. **Prepare the Fruitcake:**
– Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease and line a 9-inch round or 8×8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice), and salt. Set aside.
– In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
– Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and fresh lemon juice, mixing until combined.
– Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
– Fold in the soaked fruits, including any remaining liquid from the soak, along with the candied fruits, nuts, and crystallized ginger.
3. **Bake the Fruitcake:**
– Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
– Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until fully set.
– Once baked, remove the fruitcake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. **Optional Glaze:**
– While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by heating the apricot preserves and rum (or brandy) in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the preserves melt into a syrup.
– Once the fruitcake has cooled, brush the top with the apricot glaze to give it a shiny, sweet finish. You can skip this step if you prefer a less sugary crust.
5. **Store and Serve:**
– Wrap the fruitcake in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for at least 24 hours before serving. The flavors continue to develop and intensify over time, so it’s best to let it sit for a day or two before enjoying. This fruitcake can also be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
– For long-term storage, you can freeze the fruitcake for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
### Tips for the Best Heavenly Moist Fruitcake:
– **Soaking the Fruit:** Soaking the dried fruit in rum or juice is key to keeping the fruitcake moist and flavorful. The longer it soaks, the richer the flavor becomes. Feel free to use your favorite type of alcohol, such as bourbon or brandy, for a different flavor profile.
– **Flavor Enhancements:** For an even more luxurious fruitcake, add a bit of ground cloves or a touch of orange blossom water to the batter.
– **Fruit Choices:** You can customize the fruitcake with your preferred dried fruits, such as raisins, apricots, or even dried mango, to create a personalized fruit blend.
– **Nuts:** Walnuts, pecans, or almonds are excellent choices, but you can omit them if you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free version.
### Why You’ll Love This Heavenly Moist Fruitcake
This **Heavenly Moist Fruitcake** is a delightful holiday treat that’s anything but dry and boring. Its rich, spiced flavor, combined with the sweetness of the fruit and the crunch of the nuts, creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will have your guests asking for seconds. The long soak in rum or juice ensures that the fruitcake is moist and full of flavor, and the optional glaze gives it a glossy, festive touch.
Whether served as a holiday centerpiece or wrapped up as a thoughtful homemade gift, this fruitcake is sure to be a hit. Unlike traditional fruitcakes, which can be heavy and dense, this version is light, moist, and bursting with flavor. Plus, the extra time you allow the cake to set and the fruit to soak guarantees that every bite will be heavenly.
Make this **Heavenly Moist Fruitcake** part of your holiday traditions, and enjoy a delicious, moist, and flavorful treat that will surely become a new favorite!
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