Costco fruit cake recipe is a delicious and easy to make dessert that will be a showstopper at any family gathering or special occasion. It is a perfect combination of tart cranberries, sweet dates, and crunchy walnuts that will be sure to please everyone. This recipe is easy to make and requires very few ingredients, making it a great option for busy bakers.
This post will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make the perfect Costco fruit cake, as well as some helpful tips and tricks for making it a success.
What is Costco Fruit Cake?
Costco fruit cake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed by generations of families. It is a light and fluffy cake made with cranberries, dates, and walnuts.
It is often served during the holidays or at special celebrations, and is a great way to bring a little sweetness to the dinner table. The cake is usually moist and lightly sweetened, with a subtle hint of tartness from the cranberries.
Why You’ll Love This Costco Fruit Cake?
This Costco fruit cake recipe is a great option for busy bakers who don’t have a lot of time to spare. It can be made with minimal effort and requires few ingredients.
The tartness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the dates provide a great balance of flavors, while the crunchy walnuts add a nice texture. The cake can be served as is, or topped with a simple cream cheese frosting for an extra special touch.
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The Ingredients
Unsalted softened Butter: This is the base of the cake and provides a rich and buttery flavor to the batter. Make sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
All-Purpose Flour: This is used as a base for the cake, providing a light and fluffy texture.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance out the richness of the butter.
Brandy or Rum: Adds a warm and aromatic undertone to the cake, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Eggs: Add moisture and structure to the batter for a tender texture. If you don’t want to use half an egg, you can beat three eggs together and use half of that mixture.
Milk: Adds a creamy consistency to the batter for a smooth mouthfeel.
Walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall texture of the cake.
Baking Powder: Leavens the cake, resulting in a well-risen and airy texture.
Candied Cherries and Pineapple: Adds bursts of sweetness and visual appeal to the cake.
Raisins: Infuses natural sweetness and chewiness to complement the other fruits.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter.
Step 2: Cream together the wet ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix in the flour and brandy/rum:
Add in half of the flour, followed by the 2 tbsp of brandy or rum, and beat until well combined.
Step 4: Add in eggs:
Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 5: Alternate adding flour and milk:
Alternate adding in the remaining flour and milk, and mix until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in remaining ingredients:
Fold in the walnuts, candied cherries, pineapple, raisins, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Pour batter into pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake:
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Serve and enjoy:
Serve as is, or top with a simple cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy your delicious Costco fruit cake with friends and family!
Notes
* For best results, use fresh cranberries instead of frozen.
* If you don’t have dates, you can use raisins or dried cranberries instead.
* Make sure to use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
* If you want to add extra sweetness, you can add a few tablespoons of brown sugar to the batter.
* If you want to make the cake more decadent, you can add a few tablespoons of dark chocolate chips.
* If you don’t have a 9-inch round cake pan, you can use an 8-inch square pan instead.
Storage Tips
The Costco fruit cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the cake in the refrigerator overnight.
Nutrition Information
One serving of this Costco fruit cake contains approximately
Serving Suggestions
* Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
* Top the cake with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a sophisticated touch.
* Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts.
* For a sweet-and-salty combination, top the cake with a sprinkle of sea salt.
* For a festive touch, top the cake with a few sprigs of fresh cranberries.
What Other Substitute Can I Use in Costco Fruit Cake?
Raisins: Instead of dates, you can use raisins for a slightly different flavor.
Dried Cranberries: If you don’t have fresh cranberries, you can use dried cranberries instead.
Honey: For a slightly sweeter cake, you can substitute the sugar with honey.
Almonds: Instead of walnuts, you can use almonds for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Coconut Oil: If you don’t have butter, you can use coconut oil instead.
Coconut Sugar: For a healthier alternative, you can substitute the sugar with coconut sugar.
Equipment
- oven
- cake pan
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Unsalted softened Butter – contributes a luscious and buttery flavor to the batter
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour – serves as the base ensuring a light and fluffy texture to the fruitcake
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar – provides sweetness to balance the richness of the butter
- 2 tbsp Brandy or Rum 1/4 cup is halved to 2 tbsp – imparts a warm and aromatic undertone, elevating the overall flavor profile of the fruitcake
- 1.5 large Eggs it’s not possible to use half an egg, so you can beat three eggs together and use half of that mixture – adds moisture and structure to the batter, creating a tender texture
- 1/4 cup Milk – adds a creamy consistency to the batter for a smooth and delightful mouthfeel
- 1/2 cup finely chopped Walnuts – adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor enhancing the overall texture
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder – aids in leavening resulting in a well-risen and airy cake
- 1/2 cup finely chopped Candied Cherries – brings bursts of vibrant sweetness and a visually appealing touch to the cake
- 1/2 cup finely chopped Candied Pineapple – contributes a tropical and chewy element to the fruitcake
- 1/2 cup Raisins – infuses a natural sweetness and chewiness complementing the other fruits
- 1/4 tsp Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the fruitcake
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in half of the flour, followed by the 2 tbsp of brandy or rum, and beat until well combined.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Alternate adding in the remaining flour and milk, and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the walnuts, candied cherries, pineapple, raisins, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve as is, or top with a simple cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought frosting for the cake?
Yes, you can use store-bought frosting if you don’t have time to make your own.
Can I use a different type of nut in the cake?
Yes, you can use any type of nut in the cake. Almonds, pecans, and pistachios all work well.
Is Costco fruit cake good for a party?
Yes, Costco fruit cake is a great option for parties. It is light and flavorful, and can be served as is or topped with cream cheese frosting.
Can I freeze leftover Costco fruit cake?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Costco fruit cake for up to three months.
How many servings does Costco fruit cake yield?
This recipe yields one 9-inch round cake, which serves 8-12 people.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Conclusion
Costco fruit cake is a delicious and easy to make dessert that will be a showstopper at any family gathering or special occasion. It is a perfect combination of tart cranberries, sweet dates, and crunchy walnuts that will be sure to please everyone.
This recipe is easy to make and requires very few ingredients, making it a great option for busy bakers. With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips and tricks, and a few simple substitutions, you can make the perfect Costco fruit cake in no time.