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Fruit Cake with Dried Fruits and Nuts Recipe

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4.1 from 66 reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This classic Fruit Cake is a dense, moist loaf packed with a medley of dried fruits and nuts. Perfect for festive occasions or as a flavorful dessert, it combines the tang of sour cream with the sweetness of dates, raisins, cranberries, and maraschino cherries, enhanced with orange zest and a hint of vanilla. Baking the cake in a water bath ensures gentle cooking for a tender crumb. Ideal for those who appreciate a rich, flavorful cake with a traditional touch.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (divided into 1/4 cup and 1 3/4 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dried Fruits and Nuts

  • 1 cup dates (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup dried kiwi (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries (dry with paper towels and chop)
  • 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup almonds (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for baking the fruit cake.
  2. Prepare the loaf pan: Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to form handles on each side for easy cake removal.
  3. Mix sour cream and baking soda: In a small bowl, combine the baking soda with the sour cream and set aside. This mixture will help tenderize the cake.
  4. Toss fruits and nuts with flour: In a medium bowl, mix all the dried fruits and nuts with 1/4 cup of flour to coat. This prevents them from sinking during baking. Set aside.
  5. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
  6. Add egg and flavorings: Beat in the egg thoroughly, then add orange zest and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
  7. Incorporate sour cream mixture: Stir the sour cream and baking soda mixture into the batter, combining well to maintain moisture and lift.
  8. Add remaining dry ingredients: Add the remaining 1 3/4 cups flour and salt to the batter, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  9. Fold in fruits and nuts: Incorporate the tossed fruit and nut mixture into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.
  10. Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gently.
  11. Set up water bath: Place a pan filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam and a moist baking environment. Place the loaf pan on the middle rack above it.
  12. Bake the cake: Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Check doneness by inserting a wooden skewer into the center—when it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
  13. Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes on a rack. Then, use the parchment handles to lift it out and cool completely on a wire rack.
  14. Optional brandy soak: Before wrapping, poke holes in the top of the cake and drizzle a few ounces of brandy or bourbon over it to enhance flavor and preserve if storing for a long time.
  15. Store the cake: Wrap the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Coating the dried fruits and nuts with flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
  • Baking the cake in a water bath ensures even, gentle heat for a moist texture.
  • If the cake browns too quickly, covering loosely with foil will prevent over-browning while baking through.
  • Allowing the cake to rest with brandy or bourbon soak enhances flavor and keeps it moist for extended storage.
  • Make sure the egg is at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://quickandsweetrecipes.com/fruit-cake-with-dried-fruits-and-nuts-recipe/