By request, the booziest yummiest fruitcake evah.

I think this is probably most similar to what's known as a groom's cake in some circles, but this was always a holiday treat in our household.

I made up a batch yesterday, and instead of the candied cherries I used dried cherries soaked all morning in rum to rehydrate them.

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SHIRLEY RAMEY’S AUSTRALIAN WEDDING CAKE (FRUITCAKE)

1 LARGE (29 OZ) CAN OF PUMPKIN
3 CUPS SUGAR
1 LB BUTTER SOFTENED
6 EGGS
1 TSP VANILLA
1 TBSP MOLASSES
1 CUP OF MILK
1 LB DATES CHOPPED
1 LB RAISINS
4 OZ CANDIED PINEAPPLE (OR DRIED)
4 OZ CHERRIES, CANDIED (RED OR GREEN)
6 CUPS FLOUR
1 TABLESPOON BAKING SODA
1 TSP CINNAMON
1 TSP NUTMEG
1 TSP GINGER
1 TSP CLOVES


1. SOFTEN THE BUTTER AND WARM THE PUMPKIN IN THE MICROWAVE.
2. MEASURE OUT ALL FRUIT INTO ONE BOWL.
3. MEASURE THE FLOUR INTO SEPARATE BOWL. ADD THE BAKING SODA, CINNAMON, NUTMEG, GINGER & CLOVES TO FLOUR.
4. CREAM BUTTER AND SUGAR IN MIXER.
5. ADD THE WARM PUMPKIN AND CONTINUE BEATING FOR SEVERAL MORE MINUTES.
6. ADD THE BEATEN EGGS.
7. ADD THE MOLASSES AND VANILLA

PUT THE ABOVE MIXTURE INTO YOUR LARGEST BOWL. ALTERNATELY ADD AND MIX 1 CUP OF FRUIT, 1 CUP FLOUR, A LITTLE MILK. CONTINUE UNTIL EVERYTHING IS MIXED IN.

SPRAY 3 LARGE BREADPANS WITH PAM AND DIVIDE MIX.
BAKE AT 325. CHECK AT 1 HOUR (WITH TOOTHPICK). CONTINUE COOKING FOR ANOTHER ½ HOUR IF NEEDED.

SPRINKLE WITH RUM OR BRANDY. WRAP IN CHEESECLOTH AND FOIL. RESPRINKLE WITH RUM OR BRANDY WHEN DRY (CHECK EVERY FEW DAYS). REPEAT FOR SEVERAL WEEKS.

GRANDMA RAMEY ALWAYS STARTED THIS IN NOVEMBER, IN ORDER TO BE READY FOR XMAS.