Indulge in the delightful world of fruit cake, a timeless dessert that brings together a medley of flavors and textures. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients from the fruits and nuts. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply treating yourself, this fruit cake promises to be a showstopper on your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, apricots)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 10 servings. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, with a cooking time of 1 hour.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains roughly 250 calories, 12g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, 2g of protein, and 1g of fiber. This is based on a standard serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a cake pan.
- In a bowl, combine dried fruits and nuts; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and orange juice.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the fruit and nut mixture gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute any dried fruits based on your preference, such as using cranberries or figs. You can also replace nuts with seeds for a nut-free version, ensuring the flavor remains rich and delicious.
Serving and Pairings
This fruit cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store the fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.
- Not greasing the pan properly can cause sticking.
- Using stale dried fruits can impact flavor.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect the texture.
- Skipping the resting time can lead to uneven baking.
Helpful Tips
- Soak fruits in orange juice or rum for extra flavor.
- Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
- Decorate with fresh fruits or nuts for presentation.
FAQs
How long can I store fruit cake?
Fruit cake can be stored for up to a week at room temperature in an airtight container. If frozen, it can last for up to three months without losing flavor.
Can I make fruit cake ahead of time?
Yes, fruit cake is ideal for making ahead of time. In fact, it often improves in flavor after a few days of resting, allowing the fruits to meld beautifully.
What fruits are best for fruit cake?
Dried fruits such as raisins, currants, apricots, and cranberries work best. You can mix and match based on your preferences to create a unique flavor profile.
Is fruit cake vegan-friendly?
You can make a vegan version by substituting eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal and using plant-based butter.
How can I enhance the flavor of my fruit cake?
Soaking the dried fruits in rum or juice overnight can enhance the flavor significantly. Additionally, adding spices like nutmeg or ginger can add warmth to the cake.
Conclusion
Fruit cake is a delightful dessert that is rich in flavor and perfect for any celebration. Its versatility and the ability to make it ahead of time make it a favorite among bakers. With the right ingredients and a little love, you can create a stunning fruit cake that will impress your guests.
Fruit Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits raisins, currants, apricots
- 1 cup chopped nuts walnuts, almonds
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a cake pan.
- In a bowl, combine dried fruits and nuts; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and orange juice.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the fruit and nut mixture gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
