Simple Fruit Cake Recipe

Simple fruit cake recipe! We are all familiar with fruit cake, a popular dessert at family gatherings and celebrations. Making this cake at home and serving it is quite simple. However, some may be unsure about the ingredients and process. But there is no need to worry anymore. In today’s recipe, I will demonstrate how to prepare a delicious fruit cake and provide you with detailed instructions.

A fruit cake is a cake soaked in a spirit made with dried fruits, nuts, or candies, and spices. According to many accounts, it is an ancient delicacy, with the earliest versions believed to have been made by the Romans to sustain their soldiers in battle. The fruit cake that the Romans made consisted of dried fruits, honey, pomegranate, barley, etc. Nowadays, this cake remains highly popular at various festivals and events, often served at home gatherings. Today, I will demonstrate how to prepare a simple fruit cake recipe. This recipe will give you a good understanding of fruit cake preparation. I am knowledgeable about making simple fruit cake recipes. Let’s begin.

Ingredients for the Simple Fruit Cake Recipe

Often, we are unaware of the necessary ingredients for preparing a simple fruit cake recipe, leading us to avoid making it at home. There is a common belief that making a fruit cake involves a wide range of ingredients that may not be readily available. However, this is a misconception, as the ingredients required for a fruit cake can be easily obtained. The following list outlines the essential ingredients needed to create a delicious fruit cake.

Dry fruits: Dry fruits are commonly utilized in fruit cakes, such as dates and raisins, to impart a fruity texture and add moisture.

Nuts: Various nuts, like walnuts, pecans, or almonds, are chopped and added to enhance the flavor of the cake, providing a crunchy element.

Candied fruits: Ingredients like pineapple, cherry, citron, and orange are essential for making this cake, offering vibrant color and sweetness.

Spices: Nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice are incorporated to add depth of flavor and warmth to fruitcakes.

Substitutions and Alternatives 

Sometimes we may lack certain ingredients for various reasons, leading us to believe that we cannot proceed with making the cake. However, there is no need to worry. It is possible to substitute one ingredient for another if necessary. It is essential to replace fruit with fruit and masala with masala. Therefore, I do not see any ingredients that can be substituted in this recipe.

Dry fruits: In this recipe, I have suggested using dates and raisins as dry fruits. Feel free to incorporate any other dry fruits of your choice, such as chopped dried apricots, pears, and apples, for a delightful variation.

Nuts: When it comes to nuts, any variety can be used. Choose your preferred nuts, whether it be almonds, pecans, walnuts, or pistachios, as they all serve as excellent substitutes. For a tropical twist, consider using macadamia nuts.

Candied Fruits: You have the flexibility to use any combination of candied fruits that you prefer in this recipe. Alternatively, you can opt for different dry fruits instead of the ones I have suggested.

Masala: When it comes to spices, you can utilize any masala while preserving the essence of the dish.

How to Make a Simple Fruit Cake Recipe

I will guide you through the process of making a simple fruit cake. I am confident that you can easily prepare a simple cake recipe by following these steps. Let’s get started.

Step 1: We simmered the fruits to create a mixture. Include orange juice, unsalted butter, dried fruit, sugar, orange zest, and waggery. Cook over medium heat. Once boiled, simmer for a few more minutes.

Step 2: Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to a plate to cool. Then refrigerate for 40–45 minutes until it thickens. Allow it to return to room temperature.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 280 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Combine spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, flour, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Set aside.

Step 4: Mix eggs and vegetable oil. In a large bowl, combine the cooked fruit mixture without the oil or egg mix. Fold with a spatula until well combined. Add walnuts and continue folding. Gradually add the dry ingredients, folding until just combined. Avoid overmixing, stopping when streaks of flour are visible.

Step 5: Pour the batter into the cake tin and spread it evenly. Lightly tap the cake tin on the counter to eliminate any large air bubbles, then bake for 75–80 minutes or until a skewer or knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 30 minutes, then run a thin knife around the edge to release it. Finally, let it cool.

Step 6: Once the cake has cooled, prepare the orange syrup by heating a mixture of sugar and orange juice until the sugar dissolves completely. While the cake is still warm, use a pastry brush to generously apply the orange syrup over the top and sides of the cake, ensuring it soaks in completely.

Step 7: Store the cake in an airtight container, wrapped in two layers of foil. Let it sit in a cool, dry place for 48 hours before serving. It is crucial to allow the fruit cake to rest for 48 hours before serving. This time frame enhances the flavors and ensures the cake remains moist. While it will still taste good, waiting for the ideal texture is recommended. Cutting the cake too early may result in a slightly crispy texture.

Pro Tips for a Simple Fruit Cake Recipe

Here are some pro tips for making a simple fruit cake recipe. You can follow the recipe as demonstrated to easily achieve good results. However, to make the perfect cake, follow these pro tips for even better results. Check out the tips below and become a pro at making cakes yourself.

• Do not forget to fold the batter well. The more folds, the better. Spread all the fruits and nuts evenly throughout the batter.
• It is better to soak the fruit. The more you soak, the better. The longer the fruit soaks, the better the cake will taste. The dried fruit will rehydrate, thicken, and soak up the brandy or rum.
• It is wise to use a serrated knife to slice the fruit cake when it is ready to serve.
• It is better to start the cake-making process as early as possible. Fruitcake improves in flavor as it sits.
• The flour must be used correctly. Remember to measure it accurately. Adding an excessive amount of flour will result in dry dough and a crumbly fruitcake. The best method for measuring flour is to use a kitchen scale. If you do not have one, fluff the flour with a spoon, pour it into your measuring cup, and level it with a knife.
• The cake batter should not be overmixed to make a dense and dry cake.
• It’s best to keep your eggs at room temperature so they blend into the batter easily. If you forget to set your eggs, you can quickly bring them to room temperature by placing them in a large bowl and covering them with hot tap water for 5 minutes. Bringing the eggs to room temperature helps prevent the batter from overmixing.

Nutrition of a Simple Fruit Cake Recipe

Fruit cake recipes contain many food ingredients that are beneficial for the body. Below is a list of the available food ingredients.

Looking at the table above, we can see that there are almost all types of essential food ingredients. From fruit cake, we will get vitamins, calcium, fiber, and other food ingredients. They are very important for various needs of the body.

History of the Simple Fruit Cake Recipe

Fruitcake is an ancient goody, the earliest versions of which were created by the Romans as a type of energy bar to sustain their soldiers in battle. Fruit cake is a type of cake made with candied or dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and optionally sprinkled with spirits. In the UK, some rich versions can be iced and decorated. This cake is usually served at weddings and Christmas celebrations. Because of their rich nature, fruitcakes are often eaten on their own, as opposed to flavored (such as butter or cream).

The oldest recipe from ancient Rome lists pomegranate seeds, raisins, and pine nuts mixed into a barley mash. In the Middle Ages, honey, spices, and preserved fruits were added. Soon, this cake spread all over Europe. Recipes vary greatly from country to country depending on the festivals, ceremonies, and fasts available, as well as church regulations prohibiting the use of butter. Beginning in the 16th century, sugar in the American colonies made fruit more candied, making fruitcakes more affordable and popular. The 17th-century English fruitcake was primarily leavened, and rum and dried fruit helped extend the cake’s shelf life.

Initially, these cakes were available only from restaurants or food preparation places. People depend on restaurants for this cake. It was also brought from the restaurant to be served at home at a festival or an event. But later, the popularity of this cake started to increase when it gradually started to be made at home. It is prepared and served at home on various occasions and festivals. Its popularity increases easily. Now, fruit cake has become one of the most popular cakes in the world. And its popularity is increasing gradually.

FAQ

What is the difference between Christmas cake and fruit cake?

The term “Christmas cake” is commonly used to describe a specific type of fruit cake that is known for its rich and intricately decorated features and is particularly associated with the festive traditions of the Christmas holiday season. In contrast, Fruit K

A more general term that includes a wide range of cakes that share common ingredients such as candies or dried fruits, nuts, and spices and can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Can I use lemons instead of oranges in this recipe?

Yes, of course you can. Lemon zest and juice should be used. Additional sugar may need to be added to the syrup used to soak the cake so that it is not too sour.

Will there be any problem in making the cake if you use fruits other than the ones shown in the candied fruits and dry fruits?

No, no problem. You can use other candied fruits or dry fruits.

But soak the fruits well first. The more wet, the better for the cake.

Will it be a problem to leave it in a cool, dry place for 48 hours before serving?

Taking too little time will not yield good results. Adhering to that time helps the flavors develop and the cake be beautiful. It will taste great, so it’s best to wait for the perfect texture.

How long will the fruit cake last?

This simple fruit cake recipe will stay fresh for up to a month in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Conclusion

We take a look at how to make a simple fruit cake recipe. I have tried to show you, step-by-step, how to make this popular cake. This cake is now widely appreciated at various events and festivals. Many of us want to make the cake. But I can’t because I don’t know. Sometimes we don’t dare to create because we don’t know what ingredients we need or how to do it.

But now, hopefully, there will be no problem making this simple fruit cake recipe. Follow this recipe of mine, and you can make it at home and serve it at any family event. You can follow the articles on our website to get detailed ideas about different types of recipes, recipe tips, and recipes. We provide a complete recipe, step-by-step. I will discuss the complete details. All types of information are available in these articles. So stay with us and learn new recipes.