Fresh Fruit Cake

Sure! Here’s a delicious and simple recipe for a Fresh Fruit Cake:

Fresh Fruit Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk, at room temperature

For the Frosting:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Fruit Topping:

• 2 cups assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, mango, peaches, and raspberries)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, to taste)

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

1. Whip Cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

For the Fruit Topping:

1. Prepare Fruit: Wash and cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the fruits with lemon juice and granulated sugar (if using). Set aside.

Assembly:

1. Frost the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the top. Arrange a layer of fresh fruit on top of the whipped cream.
2. Add Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the fruit. Spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake.
3. Top with Fruit: Arrange the remaining fresh fruits on top of the cake in a decorative pattern.
4. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!

This fresh fruit cake is perfect for any occasion, combining the lightness of sponge cake with the natural sweetness of fresh fruit. Enjoy!