Everyone Loves This Fruitcake

Preparation

1. Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 275°F. Coat two 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pans or 3 mini loaf pans (6-by-3-inch) with cooking spray and lightly dust with flour.
2. Bring orange juice to a simmer in a small pan over medium-high heat. Mix orange peel, dried cherries, apricots, pineapple and currants in a large bowl; pour the warm juice over the fruit and let sit until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes. Strain out excess juice; toss the fruit with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour until well coated. Set aside.
3. Whisk the remaining 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, cinnamon, allspice, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl until blended.
4. Place sugar, oil and butter in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Beat in molasses and vanilla, then add egg whites one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
5. Stir in the dry ingredients. Pour the batter over the fruit and mix well. Divide the mixture among the prepared pans. Decorate the tops with glacéed cherries and pecans.
6. Bake the cakes until lightly browned and firm to the touch, about 1 hour and 40 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Let cool in the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Unmold and cool completely.

Tips & Notes

• To "ripen" fruitcakes, wrap the cooled loaves in a piece of cheesecloth drizzled with 2 tablespoons bourbon or brandy, then seal tightly in plastic wrap and foil; refrigerate for up to 2 months, wetting the cloth every 2 weeks.
• Candied orange peel is available from The Baker's Catalogue, bakerscatalogue.com, (800) 827-6836.

Nutrition