Fruitcake with mixed fruits and nuts is a rich, flavorful dessert that’s often enjoyed during the holiday season, especially around Christmas. The cake is typically made with a variety of dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and chopped dates), nuts (like walnuts, pecans, and almonds), and often flavored with spices, rum, or brandy. Here’s a basic recipe to make fruitcake with mixed fruits and nuts:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas, chopped dates, or any combination)
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts, chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup orange juice (or fruit juice of your choice)
- 1/4 cup dark rum or brandy (optional but adds flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped crystallized ginger (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped glace cherries (optional)
- 1/2 cup candied peel (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the fruits and nuts:
- In a medium bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, nuts, and any optional ingredients like glace cherries or crystallized ginger. You can soak the dried fruits in rum or juice for a few hours or overnight if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dry ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if using), and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated.
- Add the liquid ingredients:
- Stir in the orange juice, rum (if using), and vanilla extract.
- Fold in the dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Add the fruits and nuts:
- Fold in the soaked fruits, nuts, and any optional ingredients like chopped glace cherries, candied peel, or ginger.
- Bake the fruitcake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for about 1 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You may need to check the cake after 1 hour and tent it with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.
- Cool and store:
- Allow the fruitcake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If you want to age the fruitcake (which can enhance the flavor), wrap it in wax paper or plastic wrap, and store it in an airtight container. You can “feed” it periodically with more rum or brandy for added richness.
Enjoy your homemade fruitcake with mixed fruits and nuts! It makes for a great gift or dessert at family gatherings.
