Never Fail Fruit Cake

How to Make Never Fail Fruit Cake

Step 1 – Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch tube pan and line the bottom with greased parchment paper.

Step 2 – Mix the Fruit & Nuts

In a large mixing bowl, combine candied cherries, pineapple, dates, pecans, and coconut. Toss them together with your hands until evenly mixed.

Step 3 – Add Flour & Milk

Sprinkle in the flour and stir until everything is lightly coated. Then pour in the sweetened condensed milk and blend until the mixture is evenly combined — it should be thick and sticky.

Step 4 – Pack & Bake

Spoon the mixture into your prepared pan and press it down firmly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 1½ hours, or until the top is lightly golden and firm to the touch.

Step 5 – Cool & Remove

Let the cake cool slightly. Run a knife around the edges, then carefully remove the rim and bottom. Peel off the parchment paper while the cake is still slightly warm.

What to Serve With It

• A warm cup of tea or coffee — the perfect balance to its sweetness.

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert.

• Pair slices with cheese and wine for a sophisticated holiday platter.

Tips for the Perfect Fruit Cake

• Use fresh, high-quality fruit and nuts for the best flavor.

• Pack the mixture tightly in the pan to avoid gaps when slicing.

• Line the pan thoroughly — it makes removal so much easier!

• For a glossy finish, brush the cooled cake with a little warmed honey.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 months.
Freeze: Slice and wrap individually, then freeze for up to 6 months.
To serve: Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in smaller pans?

Yes! You can bake it in mini loaf pans — just reduce the baking time to about 45–50 minutes.

Do I need to soak the fruit first?

No soaking needed — the sweetened condensed milk keeps everything moist.

Can I add alcohol to this cake?

Absolutely! Replace a few tablespoons of condensed milk with rum or brandy for a grown-up twist.

How long will it keep?

Stored properly in the fridge, this cake lasts for months — and the flavor only improves with time.

General Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

• Servings: 16 slices

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 6g

• Carbohydrates: 56g

• Fat: 20g

• Sugar: 42g

Conclusion

This Never Fail Fruit Cake lives up to its name — it’s truly impossible to mess up! Moist, chewy, colorful, and full of festive flavor, it’s a celebration in every slice. Whether you make it for the holidays or just to have a sweet treat in the fridge, this cake is a keeper.