Indulge your sweet tooth with these 18 rich and indulgent dark fruit cake recipes that are sure to satisfy any craving. From classic Black Forest cherry cake to innovative combinations like chocolate fig and date loaf, each recipe features a deep, velvety darkness that’s simply irresistible.
Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your next dinner party or just want to treat yourself to a little luxury, these decadent dark fruit cakes are the perfect solution. With an array of flavors and textures to explore, from sweet and tangy to rich and indulgent, there’s something on this list for every palate.
So go ahead, get cozy with a cup of coffee or tea, and dive into the world of dark fruit cakes. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Rich Black Forest Cherry Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this decadent Black Forest cherry cake, featuring rich chocolate and sweet cherries.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
– 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until smooth.
5. Fold in the cherry preserves.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Allow cake to cool completely before topping with whipped cream and fresh cherries.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spiced Rum and Raisin Fruit Cake
This moist and flavorful fruit cake is infused with the warmth of spiced rum and sweetened with plump raisins. Perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion, this recipe yields a deliciously rich dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup raisins
– 2 tablespoons spiced rum (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, butter, eggs, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Stir in raisins and spiced rum (if using).
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a plate.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Chocolate Fig and Date Loaf
This decadent loaf combines the natural sweetness of dates and figs with the richness of dark chocolate, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Add the melted butter, chopped dates, figs, flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Dark Plum and Almond Cake
Rich and mocha-flavored, this cake is perfect for those who love the combination of dark plums and nuts.
Ingredients:
– 225g plain flour
– 100g ground almonds
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 150g granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 120ml whole milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 300g pitted dark plums, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 20cm (8in) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, almonds, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped plums.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Molasses and Mixed Berry Bundt Cake
A moist and flavorful bundt cake infused with the richness of molasses and the sweetness of mixed berries, perfect for a special occasion or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons molasses
– 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, milk, and molasses.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold in mixed berries.
6. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Port Wine Soaked Fruit Cake
Port Wine Soaked Fruit Cake Recipe
A classic fruit cake recipe infused with the rich flavors of port wine, perfect for special occasions and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (120g) chopped dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, and cherries)
– 1/4 cup (30g) port wine
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugars and butter until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Stir in chopped dried fruit and port wine.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
Cooking Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Double Chocolate Cranberry Cake
Moist chocolate cake meets tart cranberries in this decadent dessert. Perfect for a special occasion or just because.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in cranberries and chocolate chips.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Blackberry and Dark Chocolate Gateau
This moist and flavorful gateau combines the sweetness of blackberries with the richness of dark chocolate, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. With its velvety smooth ganache topping and crumbly biscuit base, this dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup (120ml) whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (120g) fresh blackberries
– 1 cup (250g) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– Ganache topping: 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and melted butter. Add milk, eggs, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
3. Fold in blackberries.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Melt dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments. Let cool slightly.
6. Spread ganache topping over cooled gateau.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Espresso Infused Prune Cake
This decadent cake combines the natural sweetness of prunes with the bold flavor of espresso, creating a unique and satisfying dessert. Perfect for coffee lovers and those looking for a new twist on traditional prune cake.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted prunes
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. Soak prunes in hot water for 30 minutes, then puree them with sugar and eggs until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, softened butter, vanilla extract, and espresso powder.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the prune mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramelized Pear and Walnut Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweetness of caramelized pears with the crunch of toasted walnuts, perfect for a dessert or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 ripe pear, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts
– Caramelized pears (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add butter and whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Fold in diced pear and chopped walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Caramelized Pears:
– In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup (60g) sugar and 2 tablespoons water over medium heat.
– Add diced pear and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and tender, about 10-12 minutes.
– Let cool before using in cake.
Brandy Soaked Fig and Hazelnut Cake
Elevate your baking game with this rich and decadent cake, featuring the perfect blend of sweet figs, nutty hazelnuts, and a hint of brandy. Perfect for special occasions or as a unique dessert to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup (120ml) brandy
– 1/2 cup (60g) chopped hazelnuts
– 1/2 cup (80g) dried figs, chopped
– 1 tsp baking powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter and eggs; mix until smooth.
4. Stir in brandy, hazelnuts, and figs.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Dark Cherry and Cocoa Nib Cake
Experience the perfect blend of rich, velvety chocolate and sweet-tart cherry flavors in this decadent cake.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
– 1 cup dark cherry preserves
– 1/4 cup cocoa nibs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and melted butter. Add dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in dark cherry preserves and cocoa nibs.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Gingerbread and Dried Fruit Loaf
This recipe combines the comforting spices of gingerbread with the natural sweetness of dried fruit, perfect for a cozy winter treat. A moist and flavorful loaf that’s ideal for snacking or serving as a gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries and cherries
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in dried fruit.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool on wire rack before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Red Wine Poached Plum Cake
Elevate your baking game with this unique and indulgent cake recipe, featuring the rich flavors of red wine and sweet plums.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
– 2 cups pitted plums, sliced
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by Greek yogurt and red wine.
5. Fold in sliced plums and vanilla extract.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Chocolate Orange and Date Cake
Moist, flavorful cake filled with the warmth of orange and the sweetness of dates, all wrapped up in a rich chocolate coating.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped pitted dates
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tbsp orange zest
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, dates, orange juice, and zest. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before melting chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl (30-second intervals, stirring between each interval).
8. Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cake and serve.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Spiced Apple and Blackcurrant Cake
This moist and flavorful cake combines the natural sweetness of apples and blackcurrants with the warmth of aromatic spices, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 large apples, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup blackcurrants, fresh or frozen
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Add chopped apples and blackcurrants to the wet ingredients; mix well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; beat until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Toasted Pecan and Blackberry Cake
This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion. The combination of toasted pecans and sweet blackberries creates a delightful texture and taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, yogurt, blackberries, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped pecans.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Dark Chocolate Blueberry Pound Cake
Moist and decadent, this Dark Chocolate Blueberry Pound Cake is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter and milk. Beat until smooth, then beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture; beat just until combined.
5. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler. Let cool slightly, then fold into batter.
6. Gently fold in blueberries.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the rich flavors of the season with these 18 decadent dark fruit cakes recipes. From classic Black Forest cherry cake to innovative combinations like chocolate fig and date loaf, there’s a recipe here for every sweet tooth. Treat yourself or gift someone special with these moist and indulgent treats, featuring ingredients like rum, port wine, and espresso. Whether you’re a fan of cherries, plums, or berries, there’s something for everyone in this collection of dark fruit cake recipes.
