Delightful Fruit Cake Recipe: A Perfect Blend of Flavors
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Fruit cake, with its rich aroma and dense texture, is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a simple afternoon tea, a slice of fruit cake never fails to satisfy. Making your own fruit cake at home allows you to customize the flavors and enjoy the process of creating something delicious from scratch. In this article, we’ll explore a traditional fruit cake recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup rum or brandy (optional)
2 cups mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, chopped apricots, and chopped dates)
1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
Prepare the Fruits: In a medium bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts. Add the rum or brandy (if using) and stir to coat the fruits and nuts evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the soaked mixed fruits, nuts, lemon zest, and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the fruit cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve.
Tips:
For a deeper flavor, you can soak the mixed dried fruits in rum or brandy overnight.
You can customize the fruits and nuts according to your preference.
Store the fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Enjoy this delightful fruit cake with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve it as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. With its rich, moist texture and burst of fruity flavors, this homemade fruit cake is sure to become a family favorite for years to come. Happy baking!
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