Are you craving a dessert that's both simple to make and incredibly tasty? Look no further than this Easy, Delicious Fruit Cake Recipe You'll Love. With its moist texture, rich flavor, and a medley of your favorite fruits, this cake is a delightful treat for any occasion. Not only does it cater to your sweet tooth, but it's also a breeze to prepare, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you preheat your oven, gather these ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots, cherries)
- 1⁄2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Zest of one orange
- Juice of one orange
🍰 Note: You can customize the fruit mix according to your preferences or what you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan, or use parchment paper for easier removal.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In another bowl, cream the butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Mix batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with sour cream. Begin and end with the dry mix to ensure even mixing.
- Add fruit and zest: Fold in the dried fruits, nuts (if using), and the zest of one orange. Reserve a small amount of dried fruits for the top of the cake.
Baking
- Pour batter into the pan: Spread evenly and sprinkle the reserved fruits on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check after 50 minutes to avoid over-baking.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glazing and Serving
While the cake is cooling, prepare a simple glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Mix until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Storage Tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: For a longer shelf life, keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze well-wrapped slices or the entire cake for up to 3 months.
The beauty of this Easy, Delicious Fruit Cake is in its versatility. Whether you're looking for a simple dessert to enjoy with tea or coffee or something more festive for holiday gatherings, this recipe delivers. The combination of fresh, zesty orange with a blend of sweet dried fruits creates a cake that's not just delicious but also visually appealing. And don't forget the glaze; it adds a final touch of elegance and moisture to each slice.
Can I substitute the sour cream with another ingredient?
+
Yes, you can use an equal amount of Greek yogurt or buttermilk in place of sour cream for similar results.
What other fruits can I use in this recipe?
+
Feel free to experiment with dates, figs, pineapple, or even dried citrus peels for a unique twist.
How can I ensure the cake is not too dry?
+
Avoid over-mixing the batter, use enough moisture-rich ingredients like sour cream or yogurt, and do not overbake the cake. Monitoring the baking time is crucial.
Ultimately, this fruit cake recipe isn’t just about the taste but the joy of baking something that brings people together. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday feast, a weekend treat, or simply because you crave a slice of something sweet and fruity, this cake promises to deliver joy in every bite. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience of warmth, flavor, and the simple pleasure of creating something homemade that your loved ones will adore.
