Welcome to my culinary corner, where we explore the magic of flavors and create delicious memories.
Today, I’m thrilled to share a unique and delightful recipe with you: the Christmas Icebox Fruit Cake with Vanilla Wafers.
As your personal recipe expert, I’ll guide you through every step, ensuring that your holiday season is filled with the sweetest of treats.
This is a very yummy Christmas icebox fruit cake recipe vanilla wafers which are perfect for summer.
The cake’s recipe uses vanilla wafers, light and fluffy Batter, chopped peaches, apricots, strawberries and light cream.
The bigger the fruit, the better. In this recipe, I use the cup measure to ensure that the ingredients evenly go into it. Make sure that the Batter is light and fluffy.
The cake is simple to make but requires patience as it needs half an hour’s cooking in a water bath.
This recipe is for you if you have never made icebox cakes or have never made one!
How To Prepare Christmas Icebox Fruit Cake Recipe Vanilla Wafers?
Preparation Time: 30 Minutes
Cooking Time: 1 Hour
Serving Size: 10
Equipment Needed:
- A mixing bowl
- A 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Plastic wrap
- Mixing spoon
- A sharp knife for slicing
3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, candied cherries, and pineapple)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 package (11 ounces) vanilla wafers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fruit Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, chopped nuts, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, salt, and spices.
Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Non-Stick Loaf Pan, 9 x 5-Inch
2. Assemble the Cake Layers
Line the bottom of the loaf pan with a layer of vanilla wafers.
Spoon a portion of the fruit mixture over the wafer layer.
Continue layering, alternating between vanilla wafers and the fruit mixture until you’ve used up all the ingredients. Make sure to finish with a layer of vanilla wafers on top.
3. Drizzle with Butter
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top layer of vanilla wafers. This will help bind the cake together.
4. Chill the Cake
Cover the loaf pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 308 |
| Fat | 5.2g |
| Protein | 1.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 50.9g |
| Cholesterol | 22mg |
| Sodium | 90mg |
Serving Suggestions:
Slice the Christmas Icebox Fruit Cake into thin slices and serve chilled.
Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Tips and Variations:
Feel free to customize the dried fruits and nuts to your preference.
For a boozy twist, you can soak the dried fruits in your favorite liquor overnight before using them in the recipe.
Experiment with different spices like cloves or cardamom for unique flavor profiles.
Health Benefits:
While this Christmas Icebox Fruit Cake is undoubtedly a sweet treat, it also provides a dose of dietary fiber from the dried fruits and healthy fats from the nuts.
The spices used, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, are known for their potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
I Can Use This Cake Serving For Christmas Cake?
This fruit cake would add to the Christmas tree and other festive gatherings. It is also straightforward to prepare and will not heat the kitchen!
Enjoy it with a cup of hot tea in the afternoon. Enjoy it with a cup of hot tea in the afternoon.
What Do You Put On Fruitcake To Keep It Moist?
We use a very thick fruitcake with twelve layers to keep it moist.
You can also slice it and then freeze it in layers to make several thin, sliced fruitcake slices. You do not have to cut it up into wedges before eating.
How Long Should I Soak My Fruit For A Christmas Cake?
A fruitcake needs to have the fruit soaking in liquor for some time so that it is excellent and soft when it goes into the cake mix. I would leave it overnight.
How Do You Know When Fruit Cake Is Cooked?
Any rich fruit cake will not brown but look well cooked. The top side should also look well-cooked to prevent the cake from falling.
Also, when a knife is inserted into the middle of the cake, it should emerge clean.
Can I Use Fresh Fruit For A Christmas Cake?
Yes, definitely. Fresh fruit tastes lovely on a Christmas cake. Ensure you drain the juice and leave it to dry before putting it into the cake mix.
You may need to add some icing sugar to sweeten it up if you want it sweeter than the jammy fruitcake mixture already contains.
What Do You Cover Fruit Cake With?
We always cover our fruitcakes with marzipan. This is simply almond paste; if you are careful not to put too much on the cake, it tastes wonderful when served with the fruitcake.
It can also be coloured differently to fit different themes, such as Christmas and Halloween.
FAQ
Can I make this fruit cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s best to make it ahead to allow the flavors to meld. You can prepare it a day or two in advance.
Can I use different cookies instead of vanilla wafers?
Of course! You can experiment with other cookies like graham crackers or shortbread for a unique twist.
Final Thought
There you have it, a delightful Christmas Icebox Fruit Cake with a hint of vanilla wafers that will undoubtedly become a holiday favorite in your household.
This recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect addition to your festive spread.
Enjoy the joyous season with this delicious dessert that’s sure to spread smiles and holiday cheer. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!