Description
Moist, rich, and bursting with sunshine — this Tropical Caribbean Fruitcake is a luscious twist on the traditional holiday classic. Soaked in rum or fruit juice and packed with tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya, it’s fragrant, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (225 g) diced dried pineapple
- 1 cup (150 g) dried mango or papaya, chopped
- ½ cup (75 g) golden raisins
- ½ cup (75 g) dark raisins
- ½ cup (75 g) dried cherries or cranberries
- ½ cup (120 ml) dark rum (or orange juice for non-alcoholic version)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup (60 ml) dark rum or fruit juice
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped toasted pecans or almonds (optional)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) honey or apricot jam, warmed (for glaze)
- Extra rum or juice for brushing
Instructions
- Combine dried fruits, rum (or juice), and orange zest in a bowl. Stir well, cover, and let sit overnight or up to 2 days to plump up the fruit.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla and rum (or juice).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in the soaked fruits (and nuts if using), mixing gently until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 75–90 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
- While warm, brush with rum or juice for extra moisture. Once cool, glaze lightly with warm honey or apricot jam for that glossy Caribbean shine.
Notes
- Prepare the fruit mix 1–2 days ahead for best results.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute dark rum with orange juice.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Prep Time: 2 days (including soaking time)
- Cook Time: 75-90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg