Name: German Fruit Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup milk; 1 can (15 oz) fruit cocktail in juice (drained); 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to coat fruit); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly simple, German Fruit Cake is about to become your new favorite kitchen tradition. This delightful cake is an irresistible blend of a soft, buttery crumb and pockets of sweet-tart fruit, perfect for a cozy coffee break or a fuss-free celebration. Each slice is dotted with colorful fruit cocktail, making it as pretty to serve as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re new to German baking or just looking for a reliably tasty treat, German Fruit Cake brings people together with its homey flavors and effortless preparation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of German Fruit Cake lies in its honest, unpretentious ingredients—each one working its magic to bring out lovely textures and vibrant pockets of flavor. These staples make the recipe not only easy but dependable, turning pantry basics and a can of fruit into something special.

All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of the cake, ensuring a tender crumb that soaks up the fruit’s sweetness without getting soggy.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives lift and lightness, making the cake airy and fluffy.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweet flavors and enhances the overall taste profile.
Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Supplies richness and a soft golden base that melts in your mouth.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cake just enough to complement the fruit, without overwhelming it.
Large eggs (2): Binding agents that provide structure and a bit of lift to the batter.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Lends warmth and a lovely floral aroma that ties everything together.
Milk (1/3 cup): Keeps the cake moist and ensures the crumb stays soft.
Canned fruit cocktail in juice, drained (15 oz): The star of the show, giving bursts of color and a variety of sweet-tart flavors in every bite.
All-purpose flour for fruit (1 tablespoon): Lightly coats the fruit so it stays suspended in the batter, instead of sinking.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A gentle touch of spice that lifts the fruit’s flavor, especially cozy in cool weather.
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds a pretty finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness before serving.

How to Make German Fruit Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give your cake pan a generous greasing. Whether you’re using a 9-inch round or square pan, be sure every nook and cranny is buttered or lined—this helps the German Fruit Cake release beautifully when it’s done, preserving that lovely golden crust.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Doing this ensures that the rising agents are evenly distributed, and a bit of cinnamon gives your cake a subtle warmth that’s especially delightful with the fruit cocktail.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is where you add air and richness—so take your time and enjoy the transformation! The butter should be pale and creamy before you move to the next part.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients build the structure of your German Fruit Cake and infuse the batter with a comforting aroma.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now, gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, stirring just until everything is smooth and not overworked. This method keeps your cake soft and well-risen.

Step 6: Prepare and Fold in the Fruit Cocktail

Toss the drained fruit cocktail with a tablespoon of flour—this handy trick stops the fruit from sinking straight to the bottom. Gently fold the flour-coated fruit into your batter, being careful not to break up the delicate pieces too much.

Step 7: Pour and Bake

Scrape the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will fill with the sweet, buttery scent that makes German Fruit Cake so inviting!

Step 8: Cool and Finish

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, dust the top with powdered sugar for a whimsical, snowy finish just before serving.

How to Serve German Fruit Cake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla custard. For a festive look, scatter some extra fruit cocktail (well-drained) on top, or a few toasted almond slices for crunch and a pretty contrast.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or strong black tea, especially when enjoyed as an afternoon treat. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside fresh berries to make the most of the fruit theme.

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable twist, bake the German Fruit Cake in individual ramekins for charming single-serve desserts. Or, cut the cooled cake into small cubes and layer them with whipped cream and extra fruit in parfait glasses—a playful trifle presentation perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover German Fruit Cake covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it keeps the crumb tender and the fruit juicy.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices (or the whole cooled cake) tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving for best results.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy your German Fruit Cake warm, gently reheat slices in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the texture rubbery—low and slow is the secret to reviving that just-baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned fruit cocktail?

Absolutely! Fresh fruit like peaches, pears, or cherries work beautifully. Just chop them finely and consider sprinkling a bit of extra sugar if they’re especially tart to match the sweetness of canned fruit cocktail.

What makes German Fruit Cake different from other fruit cakes?

Unlike classic dense fruit cakes loaded with dried fruit and nuts, this German Fruit Cake is soft, light, and features juicy fruit cocktail for pops of color and flavor. It’s far less heavy, making it perfect for everyday occasions or lighter celebrations.

How do I prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom?

The trick is to toss the drained fruit cocktail with a tablespoon of flour before folding it into the batter. This thin coating helps suspend the fruit so you get an even distribution in every slice.

Can I add nuts or other flavors?

Yes, chopped walnuts or toasted almonds are a delicious addition. You can also swap the cinnamon for a little nutmeg or cardamom to complement the fruit. Just keep add-ins moderate so the cake’s texture stays soft.

Is German Fruit Cake suitable for special occasions?

Definitely! Dress it up with whipped cream, fresh fruit, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for holidays or gatherings. Its pretty appearance and easy prep make it a crowd-pleaser, whether at a potluck or a birthday brunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy in sharing a slice of German Fruit Cake with people you love. This friendly, flexible dessert is a celebration in itself—bright, welcoming, and so easy to make. Don’t wait for a special occasion to try it; let German Fruit Cake become your new anytime favorite.

German Fruit Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

German Fruit Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that showcases a moist sponge cake studded with tender pieces of fruit. This traditional German treat is perfect for serving alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk

Additional Ingredients:

1 can (15 oz) fruit cocktail in juice (drained)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to coat fruit)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar, beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with milk, mixing just until combined.
Coat fruit: Toss the drained fruit cocktail with 1 tablespoon of flour to help prevent sinking. Gently fold the fruit into the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.