Grandma Leach's Famous Fruitcake Recipe

This fruitcake recipe has been a staple in our family for generations, passed down from Grandma Leach herself. It's moist, full of delicious fruits and nuts, and perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed candied fruit
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup chopped dates
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1 cup butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine candied fruit, raisins, dates, pecans, and walnuts. Pour brandy over the mixture and let it soak while you prepare the batter.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking soda. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
5. Stir in vanilla and lemon extracts, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Fold in the fruit and nut mixture.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts