Fruit Cake Recipe: A Delicious and Nutritious Dessert for Any Occasion

Introduction

Fruit cakes are a classic dessert that have been enjoyed for many generations. They are a perfect treat for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays, and are loved by people of all ages. Fruit cakes are moist, flavorful, and packed with nutritious ingredients that make them a great alternative to other desserts that are high in sugar and fat.

In this blog post, we will show you how to make a delicious fruit cake that is perfect for any occasion. Our recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this fruit cake recipe for 4 portions:

• 200g unsalted butter
• 200g caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 200g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 50g ground almonds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 150g mixed dried fruit
• 50g glacé cherries
• 50g chopped nuts

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your own delicious fruit cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/350°F/gas mark 4. Grease and line a 20cm/8 inch round cake tin with baking paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Sift the flour and baking powder into the bowl, then fold in the ground almonds, vanilla extract, mixed dried fruit, glacé cherries, and chopped nuts.

4. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

5. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Serve the fruit cake sliced and enjoy!

Variations

Fruit cakes can be made in many different ways, and the recipe can be adapted to suit your preferences. Here are some variations you can try:

• Vegan fruit cake: To make this cake vegan, replace the butter with vegan margarine and the eggs with 4 tbsp of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas). Use almond milk instead of regular milk to make the cake more moist.
• Gluten-free fruit cake: To make this cake gluten-free, replace the self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 2 tsp of xanthan gum to help the cake rise.
• Boozy fruit cake: To make this cake more indulgent, add a splash of brandy or rum to the cake batter before baking. You can also brush the cake with some more brandy or rum after it has cooled down for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Fruit cakes are a classic dessert that everyone should try at least once. They are easy to make and are perfect for any occasion. Our fruit cake recipe is delicious, nutritious, and will be a hit with your family and friends. So, why not give it a try and see for yourself?

FAQ

Can I use any type of fruit for this Fruit Cake recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of fruit you like, such as raisins, currants, chopped apricots, pecans or walnuts.

Can I substitute the butter with margarine?

Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter, but keep in mind that it might affect the flavor and texture of the cake.

How long will this Fruit Cake last?

This Fruit Cake can last up to a week if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

Can I add alcohol to this Fruit Cake recipe?

Yes, you can add a small amount of brandy, rum or sherry to the cake batter or brush it on the cake after baking for a boozy kick.

Should I soak the fruit before adding it to the cake batter?

It’s not necessary to soak the fruit before adding it to the cake batter, but some people prefer to soak it in alcohol or fruit juice overnight for extra flavor.

How do I know when the Fruit Cake is done baking?

The Fruit Cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. It should take around 1 hour and 30 minutes to bake.

Can I use self-raising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use self-raising flour instead of all-purpose flour, but remember to adjust the amount of baking powder accordingly.

How should I decorate this Fruit Cake?

You can decorate this Fruit Cake with a dusting of icing sugar, some whipped cream, or a simple glaze made of water and sugar.

Can I make this Fruit Cake in advance?

Yes, you can make this Fruit Cake in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the freezer until you’re ready to serve it.

Can I double the recipe to make a larger cake?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake, but remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.