Fruit Cake is a traditional dessert that boasts a delightful medley of flavors and textures, making it a beloved treat during festive occasions and family gatherings. This recipe showcases a rich blend of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, all enveloped in a moist, tender cake. The appeal of this fruit cake lies not only in its vibrant flavors but also in its ability to improve with age, developing deeper flavors over time. Perfectly spiced and studded with colorful fruits, this fruit cake is a celebration on a plate.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this fruit cake recipe for its delightful balance of sweetness and warmth, making it the perfect dessert for holiday feasts or cozy family gatherings. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time while it bakes to perfection in the oven. The recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a great choice for those looking for a satisfying, indulgent treat without the guilt. Plus, the versatility of fruit cake means it can cater to various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice!
Tips and Tricks
To elevate your fruit cake, soak your dried fruits in a splash of rum, brandy, or fruit juice overnight for enhanced flavor. For a more moist cake, consider adding a bit of applesauce or yogurt to the batter. When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid overly dense cake. Finally, don’t rush the baking time; the longer the cake bakes, the richer the flavors will develop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined. Another pitfall is not allowing the fruit to soak long enough, which can result in a less flavorful cake. Also, avoid using overly dry fruits; they should be plump and moist for the best results. Lastly, ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh to guarantee proper rising.
Make Ahead Tips
This fruit cake is perfect for make-ahead preparations. You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it up to a day in advance. Additionally, the flavor improves after a few days, so consider baking the cake at least a week before you plan to serve it. Store it in an airtight container, and it can stay fresh for up to a month.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize your fruit cake according to your taste preferences. You can swap dried cranberries for raisins, pecans for walnuts, or even add a hint of citrus zest for a refreshing twist. For a tropical version, consider adding dried pineapple and coconut. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
How to Serve
To serve your fruit cake, slice it into thick, generous pieces and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Serve on a rustic wooden platter or a festive cake stand to showcase its beautiful colors and textures.
Pairing Suggestions
This fruit cake pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a glass of sweet dessert wine. For a more decadent experience, serve it alongside a rich coffee, such as espresso or cappuccino. You may also consider offering a light salad or cheese platter as a refreshing counterpoint to the cake’s richness.
How to Store
Leftover fruit cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Equipment Needed
You will need a standard 9-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan for baking the fruit cake. Additionally, having a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, and a whisk or electric mixer will make the process smoother. If you don’t have a cake pan, a muffin tin can be used to create individual servings.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this fruit cake vegan, substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use plant-based butter. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or use seeds instead. Dairy-free options can be achieved by using almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk.
Seasonal Adaptations
Consider using seasonal fruits in your fruit cake. In the fall, add chopped apples and pears, while in spring, you might try fresh berries. In winter, dried fruits like figs, apricots, and citrus zest can add a festive touch.
Cost Breakdown
This fruit cake recipe is budget-friendly, with an estimated cost of about $10-$15 for the entire cake, depending on your choice of fruits and nuts. To keep costs down, buy dried fruits in bulk or use less expensive options, like raisins or sultanas.
Kitchen Hacks
To save time, buy pre-chopped nuts and dried fruits. If you need to chop larger dried fruits, use kitchen scissors for a quick and easy solution. To prevent sticky measuring cups, spray them lightly with cooking oil before measuring syrups or honey.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits? Fresh fruits will alter the moisture balance and may not work well in this recipe. Stick to dried fruits for the best results.
What can I substitute for eggs? Flaxseed meal mixed with water or unsweetened applesauce works great as an egg substitute.
How long should I bake the cake? Bake for about 60-75 minutes, but start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark.
Fruit Cake
Fruit Cake is a traditional dessert that boasts a delightful medley of flavors and textures, making it a beloved treat during festive occasions and family gatherings. This recipe showcases a rich blend of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, all enveloped in a moist, tender cake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup rum or fruit juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease and flour your cake pan.
- In a bowl, mix the dried fruits and nuts, and set aside.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the milk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the soaked fruits and nuts gently until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 402Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 78mgSodium 280mgCarbohydrates 52gFiber 4gSugar 33gProtein 7g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Baking this fruit cake is not only a delightful culinary experience but also a cherished tradition that can be passed down through generations. With its hearty flavors and incredible versatility, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of this delicious fruit cake that will surely impress friends and family alike!