Pastel De Frutas Fruit Cake

The festive season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by baking up a delightful treat that captures the flavors and spirit of Mexico at Christmas time? One delicious option that is sure to bring joy to your taste buds and to those you share it with is the classic “Pastel De Frutas” or Fruit Cake. This Mexican Christmas baking recipe is a delightful fusion of traditional fruit cake elements with a touch of Mexican flair. Packed with vibrant fruits and warm spices, this cake is a celebration of color and flavor that will make a wonderful addition to your holiday dessert table.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup rum (optional)
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, apricots, cranberries, and cherries)
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Additional dried fruits and nuts for garnish

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and orange juice. Mix until well combined.
6. Stir in the rum, dried fruits, orange zest, lemon zest, and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Decorate the top of the cake with additional dried fruits and nuts, pressing them lightly into the batter.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

This vibrant and fragrant Pastel De Frutas Fruit Cake is a delightful twist on the classic fruit cake, perfect for adding a touch of Mexican warmth and flavor to your holiday celebrations. The combination of dried fruits, aromatic spices, and citrus zests creates a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors that are sure to delight your palate. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea on a cozy winter afternoon or proudly displayed as the centerpiece of your Christmas dessert spread, this cake is a true celebration of the season. Give this recipe a try and let the festive spirit of Mexico infuse your baking with joy and delight. May your holidays be merry and bright, filled with the warmth and sweetness of homemade treats made with love.