Grandma Bettie's Light Fruit Cake

Dried fruits, almonds, vanilla, and almond extracts unite in Grandma Bettie's light fruit cake recipe. Age it to enhance the seasonal scents and flavors.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
• Calories: 429 Calories

Ingredients

• 6 eggs
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup blanched almonds
• 1 cup dried pineapple pieces
• 2 cups candied cherries
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1.5 cups butter
• 3.5 cups all-purpose flour, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line two loaf pans with parchment paper.

Step 2

Toss cherries, raisins, pineapple, and almonds with 1 cup flour in a bowl.

Step 3

Beat sugar, butter, and eggs together in a separate bowl until creamy; sift in remaining 2 ½ cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in extracts. Fold in dried fruit and almond mixture. Divide batter between the prepared pans, spreading evenly.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean, 1 ½ to 2 hours. Wrap cakes tightly; let age in a cool place for 2 to 4 weeks.