If you’re looking to add some festive charm to your holiday baking repertoire, look no further than this delightful Russian Keks Fruitcake recipe. Bursting with a mix of dried fruits and nuts, this traditional Russian treat is the perfect addition to your Christmas table. The rich blend of flavors and textures in this fruitcake make it a showstopper for any holiday gathering. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a taste of Russia to your kitchen this Christmas.
Russian Keks Fruitcake
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, and apricots)
– 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds work great)
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the dried fruits and nuts. Pour the orange juice over the mixture and let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the fruits to plump up.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the soaked fruits and nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the fruitcake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once cooled, dust the top of the fruitcake with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.
This Russian Keks Fruitcake is a wonderful blend of sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors that will surely impress your guests this holiday season. Whether you serve it as a dessert or a teatime treat, it’s bound to become a new Christmas tradition in your home. Enjoy the process of baking this beautiful fruitcake and savor the joy it brings when shared with loved ones.
So there you have it – a delicious and irresistible Russian Keks Fruitcake recipe to elevate your Christmas baking game. Get ready to bask in the warm aromas of the holiday season as this delightful fruitcake fills your home with festive cheer. Happy baking!
