Claxton Fruit Cake Recipe — just saying it brings a wave of nostalgia, doesn’t it? This iconic Southern holiday dessert, packed with candied fruits, nuts, and warm spices, is more than just a treat — it’s a tradition. If you’ve ever unwrapped a fruitcake during the holidays and hoped it was one from Claxton, Georgia, you already know the joy this dessert delivers.
Inspired by the world-famous Claxton Bakery fruitcake, this homemade version captures all the charm and flavor of the original. Whether you’re gifting it, aging it, or slicing it for Christmas dinner, this recipe brings the magic of Claxton to your own kitchen.
A Sweet Slice of History: The Legacy of Claxton Fruit Cake Recipe
Born in a quaint Georgia town, the Claxton Fruit Cake has its roots in the Claxton Bakery, which opened its doors in 1910.. Known for its dedication to quality and tradition, the bakery transformed fruitcake from a humble holiday dessert into a worldwide phenomenon. These dense, fruity loaves are now shipped globally during the holiday season, spreading Southern charm far and wide.
Unlike other fruitcakes, Claxton’s version is more fruit and nut than cake — a candy-like, chewy bite that’s nothing short of nostalgic perfection. And now, you can recreate this iconic cake with ingredients easily found in most grocery stores during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to bring the Claxton fruitcake to life:
Fruit & Nuts:
- 1 cup candied red cherries, halved
- 1 cup candied pineapple, chopped
- ½ cup candied citrus peel (orange or lemon)
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Cake Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup orange juice (or brandy, if you prefer a boozy twist)
- Zest of 1 orange
🧑🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan or two smaller 8×4-inch pans with parchment paper. Fruitcake is sticky business — the lining ensures easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Fruits & Nuts
Gather all the candied fruits, raisins, and nuts into a large mixing bowl and blend them together. Toss with ¼ cup of the flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In another large bowl, whip the butter and brown sugar until the mixture is pale and airy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla and orange zest.
In a separate bowl, sift together the remaining flour, baking soda, salt, and spices until well combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with orange juice (or brandy).
Step 4: Fold & Pour
Fold the floured fruit and nut mixture into the batter until evenly distributed. The mixture will be thick — that’s exactly what we want!
Transfer the batter to your prepared pan(s), using a spatula to level the surface evenly.
Step 5: Bake Low & Slow
Bake in the center of the oven for about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too fast, loosely cover it with foil to prevent over-darkening.
Step 6: Cool & Rest
Let the cake cool completely in the pan, then lift it out gently. Wrap tightly in parchment and aluminum foil to keep it moist.
🎁 Tips for Storage & Aging
- Aging the cake enhances the flavor. Encase the cake in cheesecloth moistened with orange juice or brandy, then seal it in an airtight container and let it age for 1 to 4 weeks.
- Re-moisten the cheesecloth every few days if desired.
- Keeps up to 3 months in the fridge or 1 month at room temperature.
🍽️ Holiday Serving & Gifting Ideas
- Serve thin slices with hot tea or spiced cider.
- Wrap in wax paper and holiday ribbon for beautiful edible gifts.
- Dice and add to holiday cookie platters or trifle layers.
- Pair with cheese for a Southern-inspired dessert board.
🎨 Recipe Variations
Alcohol-Free Version:
Substitute extra orange juice for the brandy and skip the soaking process altogether.
Nut-Free Version:
Omit nuts and increase fruit amounts, or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
Chocolate Chip Twist:
For an indulgent twist, fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips.
✨ Why This Claxton Fruit Cake Recipe Works
- Rich in fruit & nuts: Like the original Claxton classic.
- Balanced spice: Cinnamon and nutmeg enhance without overpowering.
- Easy aging: Moist base makes it perfect for long-term flavor development.
- Customizable: Fits your dietary preferences or creative whims.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re carrying on a cherished family tradition or creating new holiday memories, this Claxton Fruit Cake recipe is sure to bring joy to your kitchen. This dessert is steeped in history, bursting with flavor, and infused with Southern charm — the perfect treat to share with loved ones beside a warm, crackling fire.
