During the holidays I’m always looking for yummy treats to eat that won’t leave me with a high-carb hangover. This paleo dessert recipe for a moist, gluten free fruitcake fits the bill. Sweetened with one tablespoon of coconut sugar, along with dates, raisins and dried cherries, my Paleo version of this classic treat is great with a cup of tea, Dandelion Root Coffee, or makes a beautifully simple gift to give to friends and neighbors during the holidays.
According to Wikipedia, fruitcake is:
A cake made with chopped candied fruit and/or dried fruit, nuts, and spices, and (optionally) soaked in spirits. A cake that simply has fruit in it as an ingredient can also be colloquially called a fruitcake. In the United Kingdom, certain rich versions may be iced and decorated. Fruitcakes are often served in celebration of weddings and Christmas.
Along with visions of wacky people, the word “fruitcake” can also conjure thoughts of dry, icky cake. I think you’ll be pleased to find that this easy Paleo recipe is rich and moist –a Christmas Cake recipe that is versatile enough to use all year round.
Paleo Fruitcake
Ingredients
- 1½ cups blanched almond flour (not almond meal)
- ½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup dates (remove pits) and chopped
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup dried cherries
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt and baking soda
- Stir in dried fruit and nuts
- In a medium bowl, combine eggs, oil, coconut sugar, vanilla and citrus zest
- Stir wet ingredients into dry
- Scoop batter into 2 greased mini loaf pans
- Bake fruitcakes at 350°F for 20-30 minutes
- Cool and serve
I think this might be my first Paleo cake recipe. I could be wrong though. What Paleo grain-free, dairy-free desserts will you be serving this holiday season?
Judy says
Thanks! I have been looking for an inspiration on making a fruitcake. I will definitely be baking this!
Rachel says
My 10 year old son and I have been hooked on everything ginger this year and loved your gingersnaps. I’m planning to attempt a paleo version of the sticky gingerbread cake recently posted at 101 Cookbooks. If you have any advice, I’d love to hear. Thanks for all you do!
Katie says
I have always been drawn to fruitcake, but figured I’d have to make my own to actually like it. It just souds like such a great (though all too often poorly executed) idea. Now if you could just provide the nutrition information. (Just kidding!) Thanks for this, it looks great! I’m thinking just a little bit of orange liquer sprinkled onto individual slices… Mmmm.
darkhorse says
Looks great! Love the paleo recipes… :)
Lisa Stafford says
I recently found dried cranberries sweetened with apple juice at Whole Foods. I might use these in place of the dried cherries in this recipe. I might also try to work in some dried apricots, which are my favorite.
Jan says
My Whole Foods has also has cherries sweetened with apple juice, Lisa.
Pat says
This looks great, Elana, fruitcake I could actually eat, and enjoy.
In Italy they make a type of fruitcake called panforte (strong bread) that is often gluten free. It’s very spicy and sweetened with honey. Too sweet for me, but I think the flavorings could be used with your recipe for an Italian variation. Can’t wait to try it!
Pat
hal | www.questorganic.com says
This is awesome! This is the first time I have heard of a fruitcake I would actually like to eat!!
http://www.questorganic.com/search?q=paleo
michelle says
Add 2cups of ground amaranth seeds to the recipe, and you would be amazed how delicious it taste. You will not miss flour!!!
Add the ground amaranth seeds to your cookie recipes too, and you will wonder why you did not do it before!!!
It is simply Divine!!!
Thanks Elana. You are always looking out for our diets and tummies!!!
I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Holy, and Healthy New Year 2012!!!
Toni says
michelle do I replace the 2 cups of amaranth for almond flour??
Becca says
I love you for posting this. Fruitcake is by far my favorite holiday dessert… so happy to see a Paleo version :)
Jessica Wayman says
This is a mini masterpiece! Thanks Elana for the inspiration. With family beginning to arrive and lots of kids around this is a perfect treat to keep everyone happy sans sugar highs!