Indulging in the festive spirit of Christmas, there’s something truly special about the scent of warm spices and sweet fruits wafting through the house from the oven. One particular baking tradition that shines during the holiday season is the Polish Fruitcake, known as Keks. This delightful treat is a rich, dense cake packed with a colorful array of dried fruits and nuts, elegantly spiced with cinnamon and cloves. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and joy to your home.
**Keks Polish Fruitcake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup dried cherries
– 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 cup raisins
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the dried cherries, apricots, raisins, and walnuts. Toss lightly with a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake while baking. Set aside.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done easily with an electric mixer or by hand with a sturdy whisk.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
5. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
6. Gently fold the prepared dried fruit and nut mixture into the cake batter, ensuring an even distribution throughout.
7. Pour the thick batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even finish.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Once baked, allow the Keks fruitcake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve your Polish Fruitcake slices at room temperature, perfect for pairing with a cup of steaming tea or coffee, or wrap it up elegantly to gift to loved ones during the holiday season.
Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, and warming spices in every bite of this Keks Polish Fruitcake. Bring the traditional flavors of Christmas baking into your home with this classic recipe. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
