Traditional Fruit Cake Recipe

There’s something heartwarming about a Traditional Fruit Cake that embodies the essence of family, creativity, and togetherness, especially during the festive season. This richly decorated cake, adorned with glazed fruits and nuts, isn’t just a treat for the tastebuds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a celebration of love, this fruit cake will surely be the centerpiece of your table, bringing joy and warmth to everyone who shares it.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, cherries, and apricots)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
• Glazed fruits and nuts for decoration

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract, mixed dried fruits, and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 2 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, decorate the cake with glazed fruits and nuts to create a beautiful, festive presentation.

Helpful Tips

• Feel free to soak the dried fruits in a bit of brandy or rum for a truly traditional flavor.
• If you prefer, you can use a mixture of light and dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Substitute the orange juice with apple juice or sherry for a different twist.
• This cake can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Pairings

This traditional fruit cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. To elevate your festive spread, serve it alongside mulled wine or eggnog. It also complements a cheese platter beautifully, adding a sweet contrast to savory cheeses.

I hope you enjoy making this Traditional Fruit Cake as much as I do. It truly is a labor of love that brings families together. Don’t forget to share your beautiful creations with us using #ZynahzRecipes or tag us on Instagram. We would love to see and celebrate your culinary masterpieces!

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