Fruit cake recipe

Fruit cake recipe

Fruit cake is a timeless dessert that often graces holiday tables and special occasions. Packed with dried fruits and nuts, this rich and flavorful cake is a favorite for its dense texture and sweet taste. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this ultimate guide will help you bake a delicious fruit cake at home. Follow our step-by-step instructions and tips to create the perfect fruit cake for any celebration.

Ingredients

  • Dried Fruits:
    • 1 cup raisins
    • 1 cup sultanas
    • 1 cup currants
    • 1 cup mixed dried fruit (cherries, apricots, cranberries)
  • Nuts:
    • 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)
  • Zest and Juice:
    • Zest and juice of 1 orange
    • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Liquids:
    • 1/2 cup brandy, rum, or orange juice (for soaking fruits)
  • Dry Ingredients:
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
    • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • Wet Ingredients:
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 4 large eggs
    • 1/4 cup molasses or dark corn syrup
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit cake recipe
Fruit cake recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dried Fruits:

  • In a large bowl, combine the raisins, sultanas, currants, and mixed dried fruit.
  • Add the zest and juice of the orange and lemon.
  • Pour in the brandy, rum, or orange juice.
  • Stir well, cover, and let the mixture soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.

2. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  • Grease and line a 9-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

  • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Mix in the molasses and vanilla extract.

5. Combine the Mixtures:

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  • Stir in the soaked fruit mixture and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.

6. Bake the Cake:

  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.

7. Cool and Store:

  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, you can wrap the cake in parchment paper and aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container.
  • For the best flavor, let the cake mature for at least a week before serving, brushing it occasionally with additional brandy or rum if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Fruit Cake:

1. Soak the Fruits: Soaking the dried fruits overnight ensures they are plump and full of flavor, making the cake moist and rich.

2. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality dried fruits, nuts, and spices to enhance the taste of your fruit cake.

3. Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid a dense, heavy cake.

4. Bake Low and Slow: Baking the cake at a lower temperature for a longer time helps it cook evenly without drying out.

5. Mature the Cake: Letting the fruit cake mature for at least a week allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a richer taste.

Conclusion

Baking a fruit cake at home is a rewarding experience that yields a delicious and festive dessert perfect for holidays and special occasions. By following this guide and incorporating the tips provided, you’ll create a fruit cake that is sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy the process of baking and the delightful flavors of your homemade fruit cake!

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