Gluten-Free Fruit Cake

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Fruit cakes have been a staple in pastry for a long time, appreciated for their moist texture and naturally sweet flavor. The Gluten-Free Fruit Cake allows people with dietary restrictions to enjoy this classic dessert. This version ensures that everyone can savor the traditional delight of fruit cakes without compromising on taste or texture.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 200 g gluten-free flour (blend of rice, corn, and potato starch)
• 100 g cane sugar
• 1 packet gluten-free baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 200 g fresh fruit (apples, pears, berries, or a mix of your choice)
• 2 eggs
• 100 g applesauce (to replace butter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 100 ml almond or soy milk
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon (optional, depending on the fruit)

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Prepare the oven and mold: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and flour a cake pan or use parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the gluten-free flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Prepare wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the applesauce, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until you have a smooth batter.
5. Add the fruit: Cut the fruit into pieces and gently fold them into the batter, along with the lemon zest and cinnamon if desired.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
7. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool before removing it from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or add fresh fruit for decoration.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• Fruit variations: You can customize the recipe according to seasonal fruits like bananas, mangoes, or peaches to diversify the flavors.
• Moister cake: For an even lighter texture, add a tablespoon of applesauce to replace some of the plant milk.

Possible Variations 🎭

• • Fruit and nuts cake: Add chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, hazelnuts) to the batter for added crunch.
• • Fruit and chocolate cake: Mix gluten-free chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
• • Fruit and spice cake: Add spices like ground ginger or nutmeg for a warmer flavor.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking a Gluten-Free Fruit Cake takes about 35 to 40 minutes at 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the cake is cooked evenly, allowing the natural sweetness of the fruits to blend perfectly with the gluten-free ingredients. During baking, the aroma of the fruits and spices fills the air, creating a delightful anticipation for the finished dessert.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

This Gluten-Free Fruit Cake pairs wonderfully with green tea, mint tea, or a hot drink like a vegan cappuccino. For a sweeter touch, a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a fruit smoothie would complement the dessert well.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve this Gluten-Free Fruit Cake in slices, accompanied by fresh fruit like berries or kiwi slices. You can also add a dollop of vegan yogurt or a bit of dairy-free whipped cream for a more refined look.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

This Gluten-Free Fruit Cake , making it suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It’s also made with fresh fruits, which provide vitamins and fiber, and contains no animal fats, making it lighter.