An easy fruit cake recipe offers a delightful balance of simplicity and deliciousness, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. This recipe prioritizes ease of preparation without sacrificing the rich, moist texture and fruity flavor expected from a classic fruit cake. The straightforward instructions ensure a successful outcome, even for novice bakers. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to elevate your baking experience. The recipe yields a wonderfully moist and flavorful cake perfect for any occasion.
The beauty of this easy fruit cake recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the type and quantity of fruits to suit personal preferences. Experimenting with different spices can also add unique depth of flavor. The recipe’s inherent simplicity makes it ideal for both impromptu baking sessions and planned events. The resulting cake is both visually appealing and undeniably delicious, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The core of the recipes success lies in its precise balance of ingredients, ensuring the ultimate fruit cake experience.
This recipe is designed for ease and enjoyment, emphasizing a straightforward approach to creating a delicious fruit cake. The focus is on achievable steps and readily available ingredients, making it perfect for home bakers.
Ingredients for an Easy Fruit Cake Recipe
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
Instructions for this Easy Fruit Cake Recipe
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in the dried fruits and nuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before frosting (optional).
Estimated Baking Time and Servings for this Easy Fruit Cake Recipe
This easy fruit cake recipe provides detailed information on baking time and yields. Understanding these factors ensures proper baking and portioning. The following table summarizes the key data, offering a clear and concise overview. Accurate baking time is crucial to achieving a perfectly moist and delicious fruit cake. The number of servings is based on standard portion sizes, allowing for easy calculation when serving guests.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Baking Time | 50-60 minutes |
Servings | 12-16 |
Nutritional Information for this Easy Fruit Cake Recipe
This easy fruit cake recipe is rich in naturally occurring sugars from the fruits and provides energy from carbohydrates and fats. The nuts contribute healthy fats and protein. While not a low-calorie dessert, the use of whole ingredients offers some nutritional value. The exact nutritional profile will vary depending on the specific fruits and nuts used. For a precise breakdown, nutritional analysis software can be utilized, inputting the exact ingredients and quantities used.
Note: The following nutritional information is an approximation and may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. It’s recommended to use a nutritional calculator for precise values.
Nutrient | Approximate Value (per serving) |
---|---|
Calories | 350-400 |
Fat | 15-20g |
Carbohydrates | 45-55g |
Protein | 4-6g |
Tips for Baking this Easy Fruit Cake Recipe
Mastering this recipe involves understanding key techniques and considerations. Paying attention to detail, from ingredient preparation to baking time, maximizes the cake’s potential. Following these tips elevates the baking experience, resulting in a moist and delicious fruit cake.
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Room Temperature Ingredients:
Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
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Don’t Overmix:
Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
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Properly Prepared Fruit:
If using fresh fruit, ensure it’s properly drained and patted dry to prevent a soggy cake.
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Even Baking:
Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning.
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Toothpick Test:
Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check for doneness. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
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Cooling Completely:
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
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Storage:
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This easy fruit cake recipe stands as a testament to the simple elegance achievable in baking. The uncomplicated methodology belies the rich, flavorful, and moist outcome. Each step contributes to the final product’s delightful texture and taste.
The recipe’s adaptability encourages experimentation with different fruit and nut combinations, allowing for unique flavor profiles to be created. The straightforward instructions make it an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels, promoting confidence in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Easy Fruit Cake Recipe
This section addresses common inquiries regarding the preparation and baking of this easy fruit cake recipe. Understanding these frequently asked questions ensures a smooth and successful baking process, from ingredient selection to storage.
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Can I substitute the buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute the buttermilk with 1 cup of milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
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What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
Feel free to omit or substitute spices according to your preferences. The core flavors will still shine through.
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Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the completely cooled cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
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How can I make it gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
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Can I use different fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite dried or candied fruits.
The convenience and deliciousness of this easy fruit cake recipe make it a versatile choice for various occasions. Its adaptability and straightforward approach cater to various skill levels and preferences.
The recipe’s success lies in its precise ingredient ratios and clear instructions. The result is a moist and flavorful cake that is sure to impress. Enjoy the process and the delightful outcome!
This easy fruit cake recipe offers a rewarding baking experience for everyone, from seasoned bakers to kitchen newcomers. The delicious result makes it worth the effort!
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