Christmas Special Fruitcake

I’ve made this quick and easy fruitcake many times during the past several years, giving it to family and friends for Christmas gifts. I also gave one to my doctor, and he claims it’s the best fruitcake he’s ever tasted.

Ingredients

3 cups coarsely chopped Brazil nuts or other nuts (walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts)
1 pound pitted dates, coarsely chopped
1 cup halved maraschino cherries

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the nuts, dates and cherries. In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; add to nut mixture, stirring until nuts and fruit are well-coated.

Beat eggs until foamy. Stir in vanilla; fold into nut mixture and mix well. Pour into a greased and waxed paper-lined 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pan. Bake at 300° for 1-3/4 hours. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Makes 24 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 1 hour 45 minutes