grandmom schumacher's dark fruit cake

Name: Grandmom Schumacher's Dark Fruit Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound(s) brown sugar, firmly packed; 2 cup(s) butter [(may be 1/2 shortening)]; 1 pound(s) dark raisins; 1 pound(s) golden raisins; 1 pound(s) currents; 1 pound(s) pecans (or walnuts); 1 cup(s) molasses [[for light color cake sub 1 c honey]]; 1 cup(s) very strong black coffee [[for light color cake sub 1 c orange juice]]; 8 - eggs; 1 teaspoon(s) cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon(s) cloves [ground]; 1 teaspoon(s) nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon(s) mace; 2 tablespoon(s) baking soda; 1 - 1 1/2 cup(s) flour, enough to stiffen; 2-3 tablespoon(s) flour; ## CANDIED FRUIT; 12 ounce(s) candied cherries; 12 ounce(s) candied pineapple; 6 ounce(s) candied citron; 6 ounce(s) candied orange peel

(2 RATINGS)

168 Pinches 8 Photos

Susan Bryan

Willis, TX

Updated on Jan 6, 2014

This was our Grandmom's [secret] fruitcake that we loved growing up. Even though many folks don't enjoy fruitcake - this is worth giving a try - because you can follow along this basic recipe & add fruit or nuts [or leave out some] as you desire. BUT keep in mind - this recipe 'as is' was the family original and it took forever to convince Grandmom to share it with the outside world. It goes together quickly by hand [you've been warned - it's a stiff cake and will burn out a hand mixer quickly] & has enough batter [only] to hold the fruit and nuts together! I hope you smile at the taste!

Rate

prep time 30 Min

cook time 2 Hr

method Bake

yield 1-12 serving(s)

Ingredients

1/2 pound brown sugar, firmly packed
2 cups butter [(may be 1/2 shortening)]
1 pound dark raisins
1 pound golden raisins
1 pound currents
1 pound pecans (or walnuts)
1 cup molasses [[for light color cake sub 1 c honey]]
1 cup very strong black coffee [[for light color cake sub 1 c orange juice]]
8 - eggs
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves [ground]
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon mace
2 tablespoons baking soda
1 - 1 1/2 cups flour, enough to stiffen
2-3 tablespoons flour
CANDIED FRUIT
12 ounces candied cherries
12 ounces candied pineapple
6 ounces candied citron
6 ounces candied orange peel

How To Make grandmom schumacher's dark fruit cake

Step 1

Chop all of the candied fruits and toss with 2-3 tbsp flour, set aside.

Step 2

Cream sugar and shortening; add eggs.
Step 3

Sift flour, soda and spices together until well blended.
Step 4

Combine sugar/butter/egg mixture and flour mixture alternately with molasses and coffee. [can sub orange juice and honey here for a lighter color cake] ***
Step 5

*** Batter should be VERY stiff!! Fold in fruit and nuts (don’t try to use a hand mixer – My sister and I broke each of ours until learning to do it by hand with a good wooden spoon)
Step 6

Line 2 bread pans with oiled dark brown paper from grocery bag [or oiled parchment paper] and oil the sides of the pans as well. [you could sub loaf cake liners if you wish instead of oiling and papering the pans] Pour batter into pans - can add cherries or nuts on top to 'decorate'
Step 7

Bake SLOWLY at 275 DEGREES FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS. Check with a toothpick - if it comes out clean, they're done.
Step 8

After cakes are completely cooled, they can be wrapped in plastic and tin foil and stored up to 6 weeks.
Step 9

I've done these in muffin pans and round cake pans. The baking temp stays the same - just adjust the time as needed. It's "tradition" to slice this thinly to serve. "I" love fruitcake, I'll have a good slice please!
Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

Discover More

Comment & Reviews

Just A Pinch Sweepstakes