Top Holiday Recipes, Lightened Up: Alton’s Free Range Fruit Cake
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.
- Use smaller amounts of dried fruit – most average out to 350 calories per cup.
- Downsize the portion of nuts – they have up to 800 calories per cup.
- 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.
- Brandy-soaking is a fruitcake must, but each cup adds over 500 calories – use less.
- Slim down the fat in the cake using these tips.
- Top a little yogurt with crunchy fruitcake bits for a satisfying, seasonal snack.
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 »
You Might Also Like:
Next Up
7 Delicious Pastas, Lightened Up!
Make these Healthy Pastas Without the Guilt. Find more healthy recipes like this at Food Network.
Gluten-Free Holiday Baking
During holiday baking season, those who are sensitive to or intolerant of gluten needn’t miss out on all the sweet seasonal treats.
Alton's Top 5 Tactics to Make Steak
Learn the best ways to make steak with Alton Brown.
How to Hack Black Friday and Keep Holiday Shopping Stress-Free
Bottom line: Black Friday starts now.
Google Reveals the Top Trending Recipes of 2021
What foods were we all looking to cook in the year that was?
These Nine Meat-Free Instant Pot Recipes are Perfect for Lent
We've gathered tasty, simple dishes to get you through the month.
Our Top 10 Recipes to Make All Summer Long
These tried-and-true fan favorites make any backyard barbecue sizzle.
Instant Pot Recipes That'll Help You Survive the Holidays
Because you cannot survive on cookies alone.
Mix Up Your Thanksgiving Menu with These Unique Turkey Recipes
Sure, the classics are great — but spice is also nice!
Food Network Stars Share Their Best No-Bake Holiday Cookie Recipes
We've got picks from Ree Drummond, Molly Yeh and more!