If you’re a fan of fruit cake, you know that nothing beats a moist and delicious slice. Unfortunately, fruit cakes have a reputation for being dry and tasteless. But fear not! With a few simple tips, you can create a moist and flavorful fruit cake that will be the highlight of your holiday season.
There are many variations of a similar recipe online, this delicious cake is lovely, moist, flavourful and with the addition of pineapple a lovely rich cake without being too heavy and dense. It will keep incredibly well and can be made well ahead of time. Most fruit cakes improve as the days go by and this one is no exception – it just gets better.
- Use the right amount of liquid: Adding too much liquid to your fruit cake batter can result in a soggy mess, while not enough liquid will leave your cake dry and crumbly. The amount of liquid you need will depend on your recipe, but a good rule of thumb is to add enough liquid to create a thick batter that can be easily spooned into your baking pan.
- Choose the right pan: The type of pan you use can also impact the moisture level of your fruit cake. A deep and narrow pan will take longer to bake and may dry out your cake, while a shallow and wide pan will result in a more moist and even bake. A bundt pan is a great option for fruit cake as it allows for even distribution of heat and moisture.
- Bake low and slow: Fruit cake is a dense and heavy cake, and it requires a longer baking time than most other cakes. However, baking at too high of a temperature can cause the cake to dry out. To keep your fruit cake moist, bake it at a low temperature, around 300°F, for at least an hour or more, depending on the size of your cake.
- Wrap it up: Once your fruit cake is baked and cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep it moist. You can also store it in an airtight container, or even freeze it for later use. Just be sure to thaw it slowly and gently to avoid any loss of moisture.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and moist fruit cake that will be the envy of all your friends and family.
Fruit cake can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was originally called satura. It was made with barley, pomegranate seeds, raisins, and pine nuts, and was eaten as a symbol of good luck. During the Middle Ages, fruit cake became popular in Europe and was often served during holidays and special occasions. In England, it was known as “plum cake” because of the dried plums that were often used in the recipe.
Variations of Fruit Cake: Fruit cake varies from country to country, with different regions adding their own unique ingredients to the mix. In Italy, fruit cake is known as panettone and is traditionally served during Christmas. In Germany, it is called stollen and is made with marzipan and dried fruit. In the Caribbean, fruit cake is made with rum-soaked fruit and is a popular dessert during the holiday season.
Fruit cake is a dessert with a rich history and a wide variety of delicious variations. Whether you prefer it soaked in brandy or with a touch of rum, fruit cake is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Try making your own fruit cake today and experience the sweet and savory flavors of this timeless dessert.
My Favourite Fruit Cake Recipe
This delicious and moist fruit cake recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Follow these simple steps to make a mouthwatering cake that's sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 425 grams Crushed Pineapple, drained well
- 500 grams Cake Fruit Mix (if this is not available in your country, use the following measurements - 75g Mixed Peel, 75g Glace Cherries, Sultanas - 250gm, Currents - 150gms, Raisins - 100gms)
- 230 grams Butter, diced
- 1 cup Sugar, 205 grams
- 1 cup Water, 250 mls
- 1 Tablespoon Brandy (or 1 teaspoon Brandy Essence)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence
- 2 Cups Plain White Flour, 260 grams
- 1 teaspoon Mixed Spice
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 Eggs, beaten
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the pineapple, mixed fruit, butter, sugar, water, brandy (if using), and vanilla extract.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter and sugar have dissolved.
- Remove the mixture from heat and set it aside until it's cool, approximately 4 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 160C and grease a 20cm (8 inch) round tin.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cooled fruit mixture with the flour, mixed spice, baking powder, baking soda, and beaten eggs. Mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin, smoothing the surface.
- Bake the cake for up to one and a half hours. Start checking after an hour by inserting a skewer into the centre. The skewer should come out clean and the centre should spring back to the touch.
- Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the tin. Once it's cool, carefully remove it from the tin onto a wire rack and slice to enjoy!