My mother-in-law always made a White Fruit Cake and my mother always makes a dark fruit cake.  I have managed to make the White Fruit Cake Gluten free with good success.
Gluten Free White Fruit Cake or Gluten Free Christmas Cake – makes 2 loaves
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup softened butter
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup sweet rice flour
2/3 cup potato starch
1/3 cup tapioca starch
1/2 teaspoon guar gum
1/2 cup milk
900 grams glace fruit mixture (red and green cherries and other fruits as desired)
200 grams slivered almonds
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
1/2 cup flaked dried coconut mixed with 1 tablespoon milk
1/4 cup brandy (optional) If not using brandy add 1/4 orange juice

 Soak the fruit in the orange juice/or brandy (overnight is best but can be 1 hour).
Soak coconut in the milk for one hour
Heat oven to 250 degrees.
 Cream butter and sugar until light.  Add the eggs one at a time, beat well until incorporated.  Stir in the flour.  Stir in the fruit, nuts/milk, juice and flavoring. Place in two pans about 8″ x 4″ x 2.5″ that have been lined with foil and then wax paper.  Bake at 250 for 2-3 hours or until done.  Place a pan with boiling water on the rack below the loaf pans.
Tips: to keep fruit separate – coat with sweet rice flour before adding.
Wrap well to store.  Store in fridge as there are no preservatives added.