With your oven rack placed in the middle, preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Evenly space the cake pans in the oven to allow proper air flow circulation. Bake for 1 to 1 ½ hours if using loaf pans. To test for doneness, use a toothpick inserted in the middle and it comes out clean. If using larger, more traditional tiered cake pans, be prepared to bake the Christmas Fruit Cake for 3 to 3 ½ hours and at a lower temperature of 275 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burning. Again test for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the middle.