Description
Classic Fruit and Nut Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries)
1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp cinnamon powder
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Soak the dried fruits in orange juice for 15 minutes.
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Stir in vanilla.
Sift together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually fold into the butter mixture.
Drain the soaked fruits and combine with nuts. Gently fold into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and decorate with additional fruits and nuts.
Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect cake. First, prepare your ingredients: chop larger dried fruits and nuts into even, small pieces. Soak the fruits in the orange juice as directed. While they soak, thoroughly cream the softened butter and brown sugar for a full 3-5 minutes until pale and fluffy. This incorporates air, which is crucial for texture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating for a full minute after each to ensure complete emulsification and prevent curdling. Next, sift the dry ingredients directly into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold gently until just combined; overmixing develops gluten and leads to a tough cake. Finally, fold in the drained fruits and nuts. Bake on the center rack, checking for doneness at the 60-minute mark.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile cake is delightful on its own but can be elevated with simple pairings. For a festive touch, serve a slice with a dollop of brandy butter or clotted cream. A sharp cheddar cheese makes for a classic, savory contrast. For breakfast or an afternoon snack, lightly toast a slice and spread with salted butter. Complement it with a cup of strong black tea, spiced chai, or a glass of dessert wine.
How-to Summary
To make this fruit and nut cake: 1) Soak dried fruit in juice. 2) Cream butter and sugar, then beat in eggs and vanilla. 3) Fold in sifted dry ingredients. 4) Mix in drained fruit and nuts. 5) Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 60-70 minutes. 6) Cool completely before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different fruits or nuts? Absolutely. Use any combination you like—dates, figs, or prunes work well. For nuts, hazelnuts or macadamias are great substitutes. Ensure total volume remains roughly the same.
How should I store this cake? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. It can also be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months.
My cake is browning too quickly. What should I do? If the top is browning too fast, loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Can I make this cake alcohol-free? Yes, the recipe is written with orange juice. You can substitute the juice with tea or more juice if you wish to avoid alcohol often found in similar recipes.
Why is my cake dense or didn’t rise properly? This is often due to overmixing the batter after adding the flour, which develops gluten. Ensure your baking powder is fresh and fold ingredients just until combined.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter: Butter must be properly softened to cream correctly with the sugar.
- Not soaking the fruit: Skipping this step can lead to dry fruit that absorbs moisture from the batter during baking.
- Overmixing the batter: Once flour is added, mix only until no dry streaks remain to ensure a tender crumb.
- Slicing while warm: The cake continues to set as it cools. Slicing too early will cause it to crumble.
- Inaccurate oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s accuracy for perfect baking.
Conclusion
This classic fruit and nut cake is a timeless treat, perfect for any occasion from a daily snack to a holiday centerpiece. By following the detailed steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and using the serving suggestions, you can create a moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured cake every time. Its versatility and make-ahead nature make it a reliable favorite. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!