Fruit Cake

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

Fruit cake is a traditional European dessert, often made during the Christmas holidays. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, when fruits and spices were luxury ingredients reserved for grand celebrations. Each country has its own version, but the idea of a rich cake full of fruits and spices has remained the same throughout the centuries.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 200 g all-purpose flour
• 1 packet of baking powder
• 150 g softened butter
• 150 g brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 200 g mixed dried fruits (raisins, apricots, figs, dates)
• 100 g candied fruits (orange, lemon, cherries)
• 60 ml orange juice

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 160°C. Butter and flour a cake pan.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until creamy.
4. Add the eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla.
5. Add the fruits and juice: Stir in the dried and candied fruits, then pour in the orange juice.
6. Combine the ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing gently until the batter is smooth.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• For a moister cake, soak the dried fruits in orange juice or rum for a few hours, or even overnight. This will enhance the flavors of the cake.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Non-alcoholic cake: Replace the rum with more orange juice or even brewed tea.
• Add nuts: Add walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch.

Bake Time 🔥

Baking a fruit cake takes about 1 hour at 160°C (320°F), depending on the thickness of the cake. Fruit cakes, which are dense and rich with dried fruits and nuts, require a slower and longer baking process to ensure even cooking and to prevent the outer layers from burning while the inside remains undercooked. The baking time can vary based on the size and shape of the cake, as well as the type and amount of fruits and nuts used. It’s essential to keep an eye on the cake during the last 15-20 minutes of baking to ensure it doesn’t overcook or become too dry.

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

This cake pairs perfectly with a strong black tea.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve the cake sliced, with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more indulgent dessert.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

Dried and candied fruits in fruit cake provide essential fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a healthier diet. While the cake is rich and indulgent, it also contains a blend of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices not only aid in digestion but also enhance the overall flavor profile, making each bite a delightful and balanced experience.