Top Holiday Recipes, Lightened Up: Alton’s Free Range Fruit Cake

Alton's Free Range Fruitcake

Parfait 3

Two Parfaits in Tall Glasses on a Green Table Cloth

©Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop stylist: Alistair Turnbull

Food Stylist: Jamie Kimm Prop stylist: Alistair Turnbull

Love it or hate it, ‘tis the season for fruitcake! Alton Brown’s version is a recipe worth trying, but all the brandy, dried fruit, and nuts can weigh you down. Here are 6 ways to lighten up this famously heavy holiday treat.

  1. Use smaller amounts of dried fruit – most average out to 350 calories per cup.
  2. Downsize the portion of nuts – they have up to 800 calories per cup.
  3. Cut skinny slices – each ounce has about 110 calories and 5 grams of fat. Plus, it lasts forever, so you don't have to worry about it going bad before you polish it off.
  4. Brandy-soaking is a fruitcake must, but each cup adds over 500 calories – use less.
  5. Slim down the fat in the cake using these tips.
  6. Top a little yogurt with crunchy fruitcake bits for a satisfying, seasonal snack.
TELL US: Is fruitcake a holiday staple in your house?

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

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