Cheap Fruit Cake Recipe

Nothing says Christmas like fruit cake.  Given as a gift, it could be an unforgettable Christmas moment.  Here's a recipe that won't break the bank.  Living frugal is all about the effort and so is Christmas.

Ingredients

5 cups warm water

Non-stick cooking spray

2 teaspoons all-purpose flour 

2 1/2 cups raisins 

1/2 cup diced candied fruits

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 

3/4 cup all-purpose flour (about 3 1/2 ounces) 

1/2 teaspoon grated whole nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 cup butter 

1/2 cup sugar

3 tablespoons bourbon, divided

2 tablespoons dark molasses

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Preparation

Preheat oven to 250°.

Pour water in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan; place pan on bottom rack in oven.

Coat an 8 x 4-inch bread pan with cooking spray; dust with 2 teaspoons flour.

Combine raisins, fruits, and 2 tablespoons flour, tossing well to coat; set aside.

Lightly spoon 3/4 cup flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a wooden spoon. Combine 3/4 cup flour, nutmeg, and next 4 ingredients (through cloves), stirring briskly.

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons bourbon, molasses, and eggs. Add flour mixture, stirring until smooth.

 Gradually stir in fruit mixture. Spoon batter into prepared pan; sharply tap pan once on counter to remove air bubbles. Bake at 250° for 2 hours. 

Remove pan of water from oven; bake cake an additional 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Brush with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons bourbon. Cool in pan 1 hour on a wire rack. Loosen cake from sides of pan with a knife. Remove cake from pan; cool completely. Wrap cake in plastic wrap; wrap cake in wrap with foil. Chill before serving.

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