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Golden Fruit Cake with Apricot Buttercream Icing. A Moist, Nostalgic Holiday Treat
Moist, buttery, and full of fruit! This Golden Fruit Cake with Apricot Buttercream Icing brings together rich, boozy fruit flavors and a luscious apricot jam frosting, a perfect holiday bake that stays tender for days.
There’s something old-school and comforting about a fruit cake that fills your home with buttery, spicy warmth. This Golden Fruit Cake with Apricot Buttercream Icing is the kind of bake that feels like a hug from your grandma, rich, moist, and just a little indulgent. The apricot buttercream gives it a sweet-tart twist that balances the dense fruitiness perfectly.
Why You’ll Love and Enjoy Golden Fruit Cake with Apricot Buttercream Icing
- It’s moist, rich, and packed with festive fruit flavor.
- The apricot jam buttercream adds a gorgeous shine and sweetness.
- Perfect make-ahead cake, gets better as it rests.
- Ideal for holidays, tea time, or gifting.
- Smells incredible while baking!
This Golden Fruit Cake with Apricot Buttercream Icing is rich, moist, and full of holiday warmth. Every bite blends fruity sweetness, nuts, and a buttery apricot frosting for a perfectly indulgent treat.
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Golden Fruit Cake
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 slices depending on size 1x
- Category: Cake, Cookies and Tarts, Cupcakes
- Method: Easy
Description
A rich, moist fruit cake topped with creamy apricot butter icing, a nostalgic, golden-baked treat that’s perfect for holidays or anytime you crave comfort.
Ingredients
Fruit Cake:
- 3 1/2 cups fruit cake mix
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup apricot juice
- 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup chopped glazed cherries
- 1 cup chopped pecan nuts
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
Apricot Buttercream Icing:
- 150 g butter, softened
- 150 g apricot jam
- 275 g icing sugar, sifted
Instructions
Fruit Cake
- In a medium saucepan, add 3 ½ cups fruit cake mix, 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup chopped dates, ½ cup butter, and 1 cup apricot juice.
- Bring it to a gentle boil and let it bubble away for about 20 minutes.
- Take it off the heat, then stir in 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (it’ll fizz a bit, don’t panic). Let it cool completely before the next step.
- Once cool, stir in ½ cup brandy, ½ cup glazed cherries, and 1 cup chopped pecan nuts.
- Mix in the 2 beaten eggs until everything’s evenly coated and sticky.
- In a bowl, sift together 2 cups flour, 1 Tbsp cocoa, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp mixed spice, and ½ tsp salt.
- Fold this into the fruit mixture until it’s just combined.
- Line a deep 20 cm (8-inch) round cake tin with parchment.
- Pour in the mixture, smooth the top, and bake at 160 °C (320 °F) for about 2 hours, until a skewer poked in the middle comes out clean.
- If it starts browning too soon, loosely cover the top with foil halfway through.
- Let the cake cool completely in the tin, this keeps it moist and helps it firm up before icing.
Apricot Buttercream Icing
- In a mixing bowl, add 150 g softened butter and 150 g apricot jam.
- Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually sift in 275 g icing sugar, a bit at a time, until it’s pale, creamy, and spreadable.
- Once the cake’s cool, slather that golden buttercream all over the top (and sides, if you’re feeling generous).
- This cake keeps beautifully for days and tastes even better the next morning with a cup of tea.
Notes
Created, prepared, tried, and tested by Thilleshni Govender
This rich Golden fruit cake with apricot buttercream is a holiday classic that fills the kitchen with warmth. Each slice is a dense, flavorful bite packed with fruit and nuts.
Golden Fruit Cake with Apricot Buttercream Icing is a perfect blend of fruit, nuts, and sweet buttercream. It’s moist, flavorful, and indulgent, making every bite a comforting and festive experience. Ideal for holiday celebrations or a cozy treat any day, it’s a cake that satisfies both taste and warmth in the kitchen.
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