Around the holiday season, nothing quite says Christmas like the delightful aroma of freshly baked treats filling the house. One traditional Spanish baking recipe that captures the spirit of the festive season is the Bizcocho De Frutas, or Fruitcake. This dense and rich cake is packed with a medley of dried fruits and nuts, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that are perfect for sharing with loved ones or for indulging in a cozy night in by the fireplace.
### Bizcocho De Frutas Fruitcake
#### Ingredients:
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup of white sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup of milk
– 1/2 cup of mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, and figs)
– 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts)
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
#### Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the mixed dried fruits and nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Once baked, remove the fruitcake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, dust the top of the fruitcake with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
11. Slice the Bizcocho De Frutas into wedges and serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.
The Bizcocho De Frutas Fruitcake is not only a delicious dessert but also a wonderful gift idea for friends and family during the holiday season. Make a batch of these fruitcakes, wrap them in pretty packaging, and spread the joy of the season with your loved ones. The combination of warm spices, tender fruits, and crunchy nuts in every bite will surely make this traditional Spanish treat a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing this delightful fruitcake recipe this Christmas!
