Fruitcake is a delicious and comforting tradition that spans generations. Often associated with holiday celebrations, this rich and moist cake is perfect for any special occasion. This divinely moist fruitcake recipe combines dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and a hint of orange juice for an irresistible flavor and a tender texture. Follow our simple steps to create this iconic dessert that will delight your guests.
Ingredients
To prepare this moist and flavorful fruitcake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped apricots, etc.)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.)
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Pan
- Preheat the oven to 165°C (325°F). Grease and flour a 23×13 cm (9×5 inch) loaf pan.
Making the Batter
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Assembling the Cake
- Incorporate the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until you have a smooth batter.
- Add Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the dried fruits and chopped nuts.
- Add Orange Juice: Pour the orange juice over the mixture and stir gently until well incorporated.
Baking the Cake
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the oven for 70 to 80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Conclusion
This divinely moist fruitcake is the perfect dessert for special occasions. Its rich texture and exquisite taste make it a timeless favorite. Don’t hesitate to make it in advance, as it gets even better with time.
Tips and Tricks
- Vary the Dried Fruits: You can use a variety of dried fruits like figs, dates, or cranberries to customize your cake.
- Add a Touch of Alcohol: For an adult version, soak the dried fruits in rum or brandy before adding them to the batter.
- Store the Cake: This fruitcake keeps well at room temperature for a few days or can be refrigerated for longer storage.
- Serve with a Sauce: Pair your fruitcake with caramel sauce or custard for an even more indulgent dessert.
Additional Information
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 80 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories: 350 per serving
Try this fruitcake recipe and discover the delight of a traditional, moist, and flavorful dessert that will surely become a favorite. Enjoy!