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How to Make Fruit Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit & Nuts
🍇 Start by soaking your dried fruits and candied ginger in the rum (or juice) for at least 2 hours or overnight if you have time. This will help soften the fruits and allow them to absorb the flavors. Drain the fruits before mixing them into the batter.
🔨 Roughly chop the nuts and set them aside as well. If you like your fruit cake with bigger chunks of fruit, you can leave some pieces whole.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
🥄 In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves), and salt. Set aside for later.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
🍰 In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This is where the richness of your cake starts to develop.
Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
🥄 Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and zest of orange or lemon (if using).
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
🍊 Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk (or regular milk), beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix!
Step 6: Fold in Fruit & Nuts
🍒 Gently fold the soaked fruit, nuts, and any remaining soaking liquid into the batter. Ensure that the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Fruit Cake
🔥 Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease and line a cake pan (8-inch or 9-inch round, or a loaf pan works too). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
🕒 Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
🍰 Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For an added touch, you can brush the cooled cake with a little bit of rum or orange juice to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
Tips & Variations
🍋 Try Different Fruits – Use your favorite dried fruits like apricots, dates, or figs. You can even add chocolate chips for a fun twist!
🌰 Add More Nuts – If you’re a fan of nuts, feel free to add extra chopped walnuts, pecans, or even pistachios.
🥂 Soak in Liquor – Soaking the fruits in rum, brandy, or whiskey not only softens them but also adds extra richness and flavor.
🍯 Make it Moist – If you prefer a moist fruit cake, brush the cake with a little extra rum or juice every couple of days and wrap it in plastic wrap.
Final Thoughts
Fruit cake is more than just a holiday tradition—it’s a dessert that’s meant to be savored and enjoyed with loved ones. This moist, flavorful cake is packed with the perfect blend of spices, fruits, and nuts, creating a classic recipe that never goes out of style.
So, the next time you’re looking for something special to serve at a celebration, give this fruit cake a try. It’s not only delicious but also a heartwarming treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe! 🍰🍇🌰
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