Looking to add a touch of nostalgia to your dessert table? Old World Fruit Cake is a timeless classic that brings warmth and flavor to any gathering. Filled with an abundance of dried fruits and nuts, this cake is a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating this delectable dessert.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup of raisins
– 1 cup of chopped dried apricots
– 1 cup of chopped dried figs
– 1 cup of chopped dates
– 1 cup of chopped mixed candied peel
– 1 cup of chopped pecans
– 1 cup of chopped walnuts
– 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup of brown sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of orange juice
– 1/4 cup of brandy
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the raisins, dried apricots, figs, dates, mixed candied peel, pecans, and walnuts. Toss the fruits and nuts together until well mixed and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice.
7. Stir in the brandy until just combined.
8. Gently fold in the fruit and nut mixture until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 75-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Once cooled, wrap the fruit cake in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Enjoy a slice of this Old World Fruit Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. This delightful dessert is perfect for holiday celebrations, tea parties, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home. The rich blend of dried fruits and nuts, along with warm spices, creates a comforting flavor profile that is sure to become a family favorite. Share this recipe with loved ones and create cherished memories around a slice of this classic fruit cake.
