There is something undeniably heartwarming about the aroma of a freshly baked fruit cake wafting through the house. The delightful combination of juicy fruits, warm spices, and a moist, tender crumb makes it perfect for cozy gatherings or leisurely evenings at home. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe for Fruit Cake is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Let’s dive in and create a delightful treat that will enchant your taste buds and warm your soul.
**Fruit Cake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, chopped apricots)
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup milk
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts. Toss them with a tablespoon of flour until well coated. This will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together 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 vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Gently fold in the dried fruit and nut mixture until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake the fruit cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, slice the fruit cake into wedges and serve either on its own or with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
From holiday celebrations to afternoon tea, this Fruit Cake is a versatile and homely treat that is bound to delight your loved ones. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of dried fruits and nuts to create your own signature version of this classic recipe. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing this delightful dessert with those who matter most in your life. Happy baking!
