Homemade Fruit Cake Recipe

🍰 Homemade Fruit Cake Recipe 🍰

The timeless holiday classic reimagined for year-round indulgence! Loaded with dried fruits, nuts, warm spices, and a touch of alcohol, this rich and aromatic Homemade Fruit Cake is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• Dried Fruits:
  • 1 ½ cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas) 🍇
  • 1 cup dried cherries or chopped cranberries 🍒
  • ½ cup chopped dried apricots (optional) 🍊
  • ½ cup chopped dates 🍉
• Liquids for Soaking:
  • ½ cup orange juice 🍹
  • ¼ cup dark rum or brandy (optional) 🍶
• Wet Ingredients:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar 🍬
  • 4 large eggs 🥚
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍶
• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 🍚
  • 1 tsp baking powder 🧂
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon 🍁
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional) 🍂
  • ½ tsp ground allspice 🍯
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional) 🍋
• Add-Ins:
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) 🌰
  • ½ cup candied ginger (optional) 🍇

Instructions

1. Soak the Dried Fruits:

1. In a medium bowl, combine dried fruits (raisins, cherries, apricots, dates) with orange juice and rum (if using). 🍇🍒🍹
2. Stir to coat the fruits evenly, cover, and let them soak for 2-4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor. 🌙 🍊

2. Prepare the Oven and Pan:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). 🔥
2. Grease and line a 9-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper. 🍰

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). 🧈🍬

4. Add Eggs:

1. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. 🥚

5. Mix Dry Ingredients:

1. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. 🍚🧂🍁🍂

6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the soaked fruits and their juices. Mix gently after each addition. 🍊🍚
2. Fold in vanilla extract, lemon zest, chopped nuts, and candied ginger (if using). 🍋🌰

7. Bake the Cake:

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. 🍰
2. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 🕒
3. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes.

8. Cool the Cake:

1. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. ❄️
2. Optional: Wrap the cooled cake in a rum- or brandy-soaked cheesecloth for added flavor. 🍷

9. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Slice and serve on its own or with whipped cream or a drizzle of icing. 🍰 🍦
2. Pair with tea or coffee for a delightful treat! ☕💖

Tips for the Perfect Fruit Cake

1. Plan Ahead: Soaking fruits overnight yields the best flavor.
2. Prevent Dryness: Avoid overbaking, and check for doneness with a toothpick.
3. Customizable Add-Ins: Swap fruits or nuts to suit your taste—dried figs, pistachios, or cranberries are great options!
4. Storage Tips: Wrap in foil and refrigerate; the cake tastes even better after a few days.

FAQs About Homemade Fruit Cake

Q: Can I make this cake alcohol-free?
A: Yes! Replace rum or brandy with extra orange juice for soaking.

Q: How do I store leftover fruit cake?
A: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Why is my fruit cake crumbly?
A: Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can make it crumbly. Measure carefully and mix gently.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Cake sinks in the middle.
Solution: Ensure the oven is fully preheated, and don’t open the door too early during baking.

Issue: Fruits sink to the bottom.
Solution: Toss dried fruits in a bit of flour before adding to the batter to prevent sinking.

Issue: Cake is too dense.
Solution: Ensure butter and sugar are well-creamed to create an airy base.

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