Delicious Irish Whiskey Fruitcake Recipe for Holiday Season
Verily, noble reader, allow me to introduce you to a dessert recipe that is sure to tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart with its spirited Irish flair – the Irish Whiskey Fruitcake. This exquisite traditional treat is made in Ireland, specially crafted with the finest ingredients and infused with luxury whiskey.
This fruit cake is not just any ordinary cake; it is a cake made for celebrations and special occasions. It is a long-standing tradition in Irish households for Christmas dinner, Boxing Day or even St. Patrick’s Day. This cake has earned an esteemed reputation not only among the Irish but worldwide as well. With its unique combination of spices, fruits mixed with soaked raisins, currants, and mixed peel, it is no wonder that people eagerly anticipate its arrival each year.
Introducing Hogan’s Irish Whiskey Fruitcake recipe – a recipe that has stood the test of time and whose history goes back centuries. The combination of brown sugar, eggs and butter create a delicate texture for this cake recipe while ground cinnamon, cloves and mace give it an unforgettable aroma! Not to mention – it’s soaked in some of the best Irish whiskey known to man!
I implore you to indulge in this rich Irish flavor experience and create your very own masterpiece by following this recipe closely. Your holiday guests will surely be impressed by this delicacy that can be made ahead of time and stored for one week. Make it now and savor it by the warm glow of the fireplace or save it for a special occasion where you can share it with loved ones over coffee or tea or perhaps even paired with rum or brandy.
With Hogan’s Irish Whiskey Fruitcake Recipe, you too can have a slice of Ireland on your plate. Let’s get started shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear friends, gather round and listen closely, I have a recipe that will take you on a journey to the emerald lands of Ireland! I present to you the Hogan Irish Whiskey Fruitcake recipe, an exquisite traditional treat made from the finest and most luxurious ingredients coming all the way from Ireland.
Why should you love this recipe, you ask? Let me tell you. It is a cake that is packed full of aromatic spices such as ground cinnamon, mace and cloves, dried fruits like seedless raisins and currants, mixed peel, and cherries that have been soaked in Irish whiskey for one week. The secret to its incredible taste is also in the quality of whiskey used. This cake is crafted with the Mileeven Luxury Whiskey, one that will leave anyone who tastes it delighted.
With every bite of this delicious creation, you’ll feel a sense of comfort and warmth as it indulges your senses. This cake captures the essence of traditional Irish fruit cake that has been cherished by generations of families during Christmas time.
But more than just its delectable taste, making this cake is like a journey back in time. It involves boiling ingredients such as butter, brown sugar, dried fruits and orange zest together for 10 minutes before baking it in the oven for an hour! The aroma that fills your kitchen when baking is simply heavenly.
Furthermore, our recipe does not only accommodate lovers of Irish Whiskey as we provide solutions such as using rum or brandy instead. You can also substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.
In conclusion my dear friends, any occasion featuring this Hogan Irish Whiskey Fruitcake recipe will leave you feeling satisfied and fulfilled. Give into temptation and allow yourself to be swept away by the flavorsome sensation of this traditional beauty.
Ingredient List
- 14 oz. mixed fruit
- 4 oz. chopped pecans coarsely
- 4 oz. seedless raisins
- 4 oz. currants
- 4 oz. glace cherries, chopped coarsely
- 2 oz. mixed peel (1 orange and 1 lemon)
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ground mace
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
- 8 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup Irish Whiskey (we recommend Hogan’s or Callaghan’s Irish Whiskey)
Note:
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe to ensure even mixing and baking of your fruit cake.
Pro-tip: Use 🥃 Bushmills Whiskey for an extra Irish kick in your fruitcake recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the exciting part – preparing our Irish Whiskey Fruitcake!
Step 1: Preparing the fruits
Start with preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). You can use any dried fruits of your choice, but traditionally-seen ingredients include seedless-raisins, mixed dried fruits, and currants.
Boil these fruits in 1 cup of water or Bushmills Whiskey for about 10 minutes until they become soft and plump. Drain them well and leave them aside to cool; don’t forget to reserve the syrup from the boiling.
Step 2: Preparing the cake mixture
In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of brown sugar until light and creamy. Add in 4 eggs, one by one. Using a sieve, sift in 2 cups of flour and 1 tsp baking powder to avoid any lumps. Continue incorporating the dry ingredients into the mixture making sure it’s well-blended.
Add in a generous amount of chopped pecans, mixed peel, whiskey, juice of half an orange, and zest of one lemon to the cake batter. Mix these well together followed by the fruit mixture prepared earlier. Fold all these elements together until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Baking the cake
Line an 18-inch square or tube pan with parchment paper and pour in the cake batter into it. Smooth the top using a spatula.
Place your cake into your oven that was preheated at 300°F (150°C) and bake it for approximately 3-3.5 hours. Check if it’s baked thoroughly by inserting a toothpick at its center; if it comes out clean, then consider it baked.
Once taken out from the oven, pour over some of that syrup reserved earlier to moisten the cake. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying your deliciously-spiced and moist Irish Whiskey Fruitcake!
Substitutions and Variations
Verily, one may wish to make alterations to the recipe, and fear not, for there are many substitutes and variations that may still produce a delectable whiskey fruit cake.
If ye do not have pecans at hand, fret not, for walnuts or almonds may be used instead. In place of seedless raisins, currants may be used or a mixture of raisins and currants for a more fruity flavor. The ground mace can be substituted with nutmeg for a warm and spicy flavor, while ginger may be used in place of cloves.
Furthermore, if ye prefer a cake with a lighter texture, ye may mix self-raising flour with the plain flour and reduce the amount of baking powder used. One could replace Irish whiskey with rum or brandy for an equally delightful taste.
Adding cherries into the mix would add bursts of sweet tartness that complements the spiciness of the cake. As for dried fruits, apricots and figs can be added for variation in texture and flavor.
To make it more festive during Christmas, one could use Bushmills whiskey as it is a popular Irish whiskey. Finally, for those who do not consume alcohol or prefer a non-alcoholic version – apple juice can replace whiskey in this recipe.
In essence, these substitutions offer great options to cater to both personal tastes and available ingredients.
Serving and Pairing
Ah, the moment has arrived to unveil the true magic of this exquisite Irish whiskey fruitcake! After all, what good is a cake if it cannot be properly enjoyed and shared amongst friends and loved ones?
When it comes to serving, I recommend slicing the cake into thin pieces – just big enough for guests to savor the rich flavors while leaving room for more. Don’t be shy to add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or even serve it warm with a drizzle of Irish Whiskey over each slice. Trust me, the warmth of the cake and the kick of the whiskey will surely take you on a journey to a rustic Irish countryside!
As for pairing this traditional yet elegant treat, I recommend trying it with a dram of fine Bushmills whiskey. The notes of vanilla, honey, and toasted oak in Bushmills complements the fruity richness of hogan’s Irish whiskey fruitcake perfectly. This culinary matchup will simply leave your taste buds singing Ireland’s praises in perfect harmony.
Another stunning way to present this classic dessert is by serving it as part of your Christmas dinner. A slice of Irish Christmas cake alongside traditional roast turkey, stuffing and gravy will add an extra touch of festive indulgence that will make this meal unforgettable.
In conclusion, let us delight in this incredible creation – callaghans Irish whiskey fruitcake – a true masterpiece that expresses not only centuries of tradition but also love for wholesome indulgence at every occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Dearest reader, once you have finished baking your exquisite Hogan Irish Whiskey Fruitcake, you may want to store it away for a special occasion or simply to savor at a later time. Fear not, as I will share with you some tips for making ahead, storing, and reheating this delectable dessert.
Firstly, I must advise you that this cake is best made ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld together. So go ahead and bake it up to one week before serving. Once cooled completely, wrap it tightly in parchment paper and then in aluminum foil.
If you were unable to make your cake ahead of time and require it immediately, you may reheat a slice in the microwave on medium power for 30 seconds. However, if you have the luxury of time and patience, I would recommend reheating it in the oven.
To reheat a whole cake, preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the unwrapped cake on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 20-30 minutes. This gentle heating method will help to maintain the moistness of the cake while bringing out its full fruity flavors.
When it comes to storing your Hogan Irish Whiskey Fruitcake, first remove it from the aluminum foil and parchment paper. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three months. You may want to add a dash of Irish whiskey every few weeks to keep the cake moist and flavorful.
In addition to storing by itself, this fruitcake also pairs well with some delicious Irish cheese or vanilla ice cream for a delightful post-dinner treat. May your fruitcake bring sweet joy to your taste buds for months to come.
Tips for Perfect Results
For a perfect result in making an Irish Whiskey Fruitcake, here are some tips that I swear by from my years of experience in baking traditional British cakes.
Firstly, make sure to soak your dried fruits overnight in whiskey as this will allow them to become plump and juicy. For best results, try using Bushmills whiskey or Hogan’s Irish whiskey for a unique flavor.
Secondly, use room temperature eggs and butter. This will ensure that they mix smoothly and the cake will turn out moist and fluffy.
Thirdly, stir the batter well but don’t overdo it. Over-stirring can make the cake tough and chewy. Use a spatula to fold the ingredients until just combined.
Fourthly, use parchment paper to line the bottom of the cake tin. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Fifthly, preheat your oven properly to ensure that your cake is evenly baked. Place it in the center of your oven and rotate it halfway through baking so that it bakes evenly on all sides.
Sixthly, add an extra tablespoon of flour if the batter seems too loose. This will help the cake set better when baked.
Seventhly, use a wooden skewer to check whether it is done or not. Insert it into the center of the cake and if it comes out clean then it is done. If there are any wet crumbs on the skewer then bake for another 5-10 minutes.
Lastly, let your Irish Whiskey Fruitcake cool completely before serving or storing. Wrap it in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Follow these tips and you’ll end up with a delicious Irish Whiskey Fruitcake that everyone will love!
FAQ
Hark! Tarry a while, I shall respond to the queries that come hither with the preparation and serving of this exquisite Hogan Irish Whiskey Fruitcake. I hear your concerns, as if a whisper blown by the gentle wind, and shall attend to them with great care. Pray speak, and let us delve into the nuances of this traditional Irish dessert.
What is Irish Christmas cake made of?
To make the cake, we will need some essential ingredients. Firstly, we require 225 grams (8 oz) of soft brown sugar. Additionally, we will need 5 eggs to provide a rich texture to the cake. Moving on, we require 280 grams (10 oz) of all-purpose flour (maida) to form the base of the cake. Lastly, we need to add 50 grams (2 oz) of almond powder or ground almonds to add a nutty flavor to the cake.
What is the best liquor to soak fruitcake in?
When it comes to adding alcohol to your fruitcake mix, it is recommended to go for potent and flavourful spirits that have a high alcohol by volume (ABV). Opt for rum, brandy or whisky if you desire a spiced flavor, or go for orange liqueur if you prefer hints of citrus. For those who enjoy cherry brandy or amaretto, these also make great alternatives to enhance the taste of your fruitcake.
How long to soak fruit in alcohol for fruit cake?
When preparing Christmas fruit cake or plum cake, it’s recommended to let the fruits steep in an alcoholic drink for a minimum of seven days. The soaked fruits can then be stored for a few weeks or even months. For the best-tasting rich fruit cake, it’s suggested to allow the fruits to soak for four to five weeks before baking.
What are the ingredients in Grandma’s fruitcake?
This recipe is for a beloved holiday fruitcake that has been passed down through generations of my family. It contains a delightful combination of raisins, cherries, pineapple, walnuts, almonds, and pecans, all mixed into a batter that includes the strong flavors of bourbon, rum, and brandy. After baking, each cake is carefully decorated by hand and left to mature and reach peak flavor.
Bottom Line
And so, my dear readers, let me conclude by saying that if you’re looking for a delectable Christmas dessert, look no further than the Irish Whiskey Fruitcake recipe. This exquisite traditional treat made in Ireland is specially crafted with the finest ingredients such as the Mileeven Luxury Irish Whiskey, and Hogan’s Irish Fruit. With its rich blend of dried fruits such as seedless raisins and mixed peel, combined with the subtle notes of Irish whiskey, this dessert is sure to delight your taste buds.
Not only is this cake made to impress, but it also offers versatility in its multiple variations and substitutions. And with its long shelf life of up to one week, this cake can be enjoyed beyond just the holidays.
In conclusion, whether you’re an avid baker or just starting off in the kitchen, this recipe offers not just a delicious dessert but also a piece of Irish tradition with every bite. So don’t hesitate to try out this Hogan Irish Whiskey Fruitcake recipe and savor the taste of a truly exceptional Christmas treat.
Irish Whiskey Fruitcake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground mace
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup butter, softened (or margarine)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 eggs
- 1 (16 ounce) can apricot halves, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup Irish whiskey, plus more
- Irish whiskey, to age and soak
- 2 cups seedless raisins
- 8 ounces mixed candied fruit, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
- 8 ounces candied red cherries, halved
- 4 ounces candied green cherries, halved
- cheesecloth
Instructions
- Grease a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan.
- Mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, mace and cloves.
- Cream butter with brown sugar until fluffy/light in a large bowl. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in apricots and whiskey. Stir in flour mixture until blended, then raisins, mixed fruit, pecans and cherries.
- Spoon into prepared pan. Spread top evenly.
- Bake at 300 degrees for 2 hours or till wooden pick comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Loosen cooled cake around the edges with a knife; turn out onto rack.
- Wrap in cheesecloth, pour some Irish Whiskey over it every few days, and let age for two to four weeks. Overwrap the cheesecloth with foil. Keep in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.