White Christmas Fruitcake

How to Make

• Step 1: To prepare the orange-bourbon glaze (do this firstly) in a small saucepan over medium heat cook the orange juice with sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved (about 2 minutes)remove from heat and stir in the bourbon until combined; set aside to brush on fruitcakes.

• Step 2: For the fruitcake; butter two (8 x 4-inch) loaf pans.

• Step 3: In a medium bowl combine both raisins, pineapple tidbits, currants and orange juice; let stand for 35 minutes at room temperature.

• Step 4: In a large bowl beat butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).

• Step 5: Add in sugar and vanilla and beat for about 6 minutes (there should be no sugar granules remaining at all).

• Step 6: Add in eggs and beat just until no yellow remains in the bowl.

• Step 7: In a bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt; remove 1/2 cup of the flour mixture to a bowl; set aside.

• Step 8: Add in the flour mixture (not the 1/2-cup) to the butter mixture beating on low speed just until completely blended.

• Step 9: Add in the orange zest and lemon extract (or lemon zest if using) beat until combined.

• Step 10: Drain the raisin mixture and return back to their bowl; stir in the cherries and mix to combine.

• Step 11: Toss the cherry/raisin mixture with the reserved 1/2 cup flour mixture, then using a spatula fold the mixture into the batter until combined.

• Step 12: Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.

• Step 13: Bake (second-lowest oven rack) at 325 degrees for about 1 hour or until the cakes test done.

• Step 14: Brush the warm cakes liberally with some of the orange bourbon glaze until dissolved in the cakes.

• Step 15: Cool for about 10 minutes in pans, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.

• Step 16: Glaze liberally again with the bourbon glaze, then wrap tightly and store in the refrigerator for 2 days before serving, brushing with remaining glaze over the 2-day period (you might not use the complete amount of glaze, you can drizzle the remainder on the cake slices when serving!).

• Step 17: Serve or freeze until ready to use.