Non-alcoholic Fruitcake

Here is a recipe for non-alcoholic fruitcake (1 - 9 x 5 loaf pan):

-  1/4 cup raisins

-  1 cup golden raisins

-  1/2 cup (chopped) dried cherries

-  1/2 cup dried cranberries

-  2 tablespoons (chopped) candied orange/citron peels

-  3 tablespoons orange juice (I used freshly squeezed)

-  2/3 cup softened butter

-  1 1/3 cups powdered sugar

-  3 eggs, separated

-  1 teaspoon vanilla extract

-  1/2 chopped pecans or walnuts (I used pistachios because that is what I had in my pantry)

-  1 cup and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Combine (chopped) dried cherries, raisins, golden raisins, dried cranberries, and (chopped) candied orange/citron peels in orange juice, in an air tight container, and soak overnight (12 hours) in the refrigerator.  *You can use whatever kind or dried fruit or candied fruit you like or whatever you have in your pantry (ie. (chopped) dried mango, (chopped) dried pineapple, dried currants, etc.).

Preheat oven to 275 degrees and place a small pan of water in the oven.  Spray your 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line with parchment or wax paper.

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy.  Stir in beaten egg yolks.  Mix in fruit/orange juice blend and chopped nuts. Lastly, add all-purpose flour and combine.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites using a stick blender or hand mixer until stiff peaks form.  Fold into the batter and spread into lined loaf pan.  Bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until golden brown, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the loaf.  Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.  Take the loaf out of the pan by lifting up the parchment/wax paper to remove.  Then, flip it over onto a plate and peel the paper away from the loaf.  Cut and serve.  You can also store in an air tight container or tin, or even wrap in plastic wrap to eat later.  Enjoy!

*This is a much, much, much tastier and moist fruitcake then the store bought brand.  It puts those fruitcakes to shame.  I definitely recommend trying this recipe, even if you are not a fan of fruitcake.  You never know, this might just very well change your thoughts about fruitcakes!!!  It definitely has changed mine!