Moist Fruit Bundt Cake is one of my favorite bakes to make during the holiday season—or anytime I want something rich, sweet, and loaded with texture. This cake is bursting with chopped fruits, warm spices, and buttery flavor, all wrapped in a soft, tender crumb. I love how it fills my kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of home baking and how each slice is packed with fruity goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it transforms everyday ingredients into a show-stopping dessert with very little effort. The bundt pan gives it a beautiful shape, and the combination of dried fruits keeps it moist for days. Whether I’m serving it with tea, offering it as a festive gift, or enjoying a slice for breakfast, this cake always delivers on taste and comfort.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Sour cream or yogurt (for extra moisture)
- Mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, chopped dates, apricots)
- Optional: chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), orange zest
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour a bundt pan.
- I toss the dried fruits (and nuts, if using) with a tablespoon of flour to keep them from sinking.
- In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In a separate large bowl, I cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
- I beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and orange zest if using.
- I alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream into the batter, mixing just until combined.
- I fold in the dried fruits and nuts, then spoon the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- I bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- I let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 10–12 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 50–60 minutes
Cooling time: 30–45 minutes
Total time: Around 1 hour and 45 minutes
Variations
I’ve drizzled a simple glaze over the top made with powdered sugar and citrus juice, or dusted it with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. When I want a tropical vibe, I use dried pineapple and coconut.
storage/reheating
I store the cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. For longer storage, I refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic. To serve, I let it come to room temperature or warm a slice briefly in the microwave.
FAQs
What kind of dried fruits work best?
I like a mix of raisins, chopped apricots, dates, cranberries, and golden raisins. I adjust based on what I have, and I always chop larger fruits into small pieces.
Can I use fresh fruit instead?
I stick to dried fruit for this recipe because fresh fruit adds too much moisture and can make the cake soggy. If I want to use fresh fruit, I look for a recipe specifically designed for it.
How do I keep the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?
I make sure to grease every corner and crevice with butter or nonstick spray and then dust the pan with flour. I also let it cool slightly before removing it to avoid tearing.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. I often bake it a day ahead—it actually tastes better as the flavors develop. It holds up well and stays moist for days.
Can I make this without nuts?
Absolutely. I skip the nuts if I want a nut-free version—it’s still full of flavor and texture from the fruit alone.
Conclusion
Moist Fruit Bundt Cake is one of those timeless recipes that always brings a sense of warmth and celebration to the table. With its soft crumb, sweet fruit pieces, and rich aroma, it’s a cake I love to share with others—or enjoy quietly with a cup of tea. Whether I’m baking for the holidays or just craving a cozy treat, this bundt never disappoints.
PrintMoist Fruit Bundt Cake
Mini Black Forest Cakes with a Cherry Twist are elegant, individual chocolate cakes layered with whipped cream and a vibrant cherry filling. These adorable treats combine rich chocolate, sweet fruit, and airy cream for a dessert that’s both classic and refreshingly playful.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 mini cakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the chocolate cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup hot water or brewed coffee
- For the cherry filling:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup cherry preserves or jam
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Optional: 1 tsp cherry liqueur or almond extract
- For the whipped cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For assembly:
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Whole cherries for topping
- Optional: mini cake molds, cookie cutter rings, or muffin pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, buttermilk, vanilla, and hot water or coffee.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth. Pour into sheet pan and bake for 15–18 minutes or until set. Cool completely.
- For cherry filling: simmer cherries, preserves, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a small pot until thickened. Let cool.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla to stiff peaks. Keep chilled.
- Cut cooled cake into small rounds using a cookie cutter or glass rim.
- Layer one cake round with cherry filling and whipped cream. Top with another round and repeat. Finish with a swirl of cream, cherry, and chocolate shavings.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use kirsch to brush cake layers for a traditional Black Forest touch.
- Substitute raspberry or mixed berry preserves for a fruity variation.
- Add melted chocolate to the whipped cream for a richer flavor.
- Assemble a few hours in advance for best texture and flavor.
- Store in the fridge up to 2 days. Do not freeze assembled cakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cake
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
