When the holiday season rolls around, there's nothing quite like the taste of a classic dried nut and fruit cake. With its moist texture, rich flavors, and festive appearance, this timeless treat is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, there are plenty of delicious dried nut and fruit cake recipes to choose from. From simple and straightforward to more elaborate and decadent, there's a recipe to suit every taste and skill level.
Let's cook with our recipes!
DRIED FRUIT AND NUT CAKE
From Alice Medrich's book Pure Dessert. These are basically fruit and nuts with a bit of flour and eggs to bind them together. Exceptionally easy to make, delicious and nutritious, this cake makes not just a fantastic snack, but also a perfect addition to the cheese platter. The fruits can be varied, and as long as they are natural, unsulfered and of a good quality, the end result will be terrific.
Provided by Bren in LR
Categories Dessert
Time 1h45m
Yield 2 small loaves
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line the bottom and sides of one large 9 x 5 inch loaf pan or 2 smaller 8 x 4 loaf pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour with the salt, baking powder and baking soda to combine. Add the brown sugar, all the dried fruit, and nuts and mix thoroughly with your fingers. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs with the vanilla extract until light. Pour the egg mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well with a wooden spoon or your hands until all the fruits and nuts are coated with batter. Scrape into the prepared pan (pans).
- Bake until the top is deep golden brown and the batter clinging to the fruit seems set, about 1 hour for smaller loaves, 10-15 minutes longer for a large loaf. Tent loosely with foil if the cake appears to be browning too much. Cook completely in the pan(s) on a rack.
- When completely cool, remove the cake from the pan(s). The cake keeps, wrapped airtight in foil or plastic wrap, for several weeks at room temperature or at least 3 months in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for at least 6 months.
- To serve, cut into thin slices with a sharp heavy knife.
DRIED FRUIT AND NUT CAKE
Steps:
- Line bottom of 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Butter parchment paper and sides of pan. Preheat oven to 300°F. Mix first 10 ingredients together in large bowl.
- Stir honey and 1/3 cup sugar in heavy large saucepan over low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium and cook until candy thermometer registers 235°F. (soft-ball stage), stirring frequently, about 4 minutes.
- Remove pan from heat. Mix in nut-flour mixture. Spoon mixture into prepared pan. Press to even thickness using buttered palm of hand or spoon. Bake until top is no longer sticky, about 35 minutes. Cool. Sift powdered sugar over. (Can be prepared 3 weeks ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.)
DRIED NUT AND FRUIT CAKE
Provided by Marian Burros
Categories dessert, side dish
Time 2h25m
Yield One 6-pound cake
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
- Grease the bottom and sides of an 8-cup souffle dish or a 9 by 5 by 3 inch loaf pan. Line with brown paper; grease paper.
- Combine walnuts, pecans, brazil nuts, dates, apricots, prunes, candied fruits, raisins and cherries in large bowl.
- Sift flour, baking powder and salt over nuts and fruits. Toss lightly until well coated.
- Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla in a medium-size bowl with electric mixer until fluffy and light. Pour over nut mixture. Stir gently to combine.
- Fill prepared dish or pan, pressing cake mixture firmly so it will hold its shape after baking.
- Bake for one hour and 45 minutes. (If fruits are browning too quickly, cover with buttered foil). Remove cake to wire rack.
- Spoon 1/4 cup brandy over cake. Let stand one hour. Invert; peel off paper; turn right side up; let stand on wire rack until cooled completely. Place wire rack in shallow pan; spoon remaining 1/2 cup brandy over cake.
- To store: Wrap in cheesecloth that has been soaked in brandy. Wrap in heavy duty foil or store in tightly covered container. If cheesecloth dries out, dip in brandy and rewrap cake.
Tips:
- Choose top-quality nuts and dried fruits for the best flavor.
- Soak the dried fruits in hot water or tea to plump them up and enhance their flavor.
- Toast the nuts in a dry skillet to bring out their natural oils and intensify their flavor.
- Use a variety of nuts and dried fruits to create a visually appealing and flavorful cake.
- Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense, crumbly cake.
- Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Whether you're looking for a classic holiday treat or a unique and flavorful dessert, a dried nut and fruit cake is sure to please. With its moist, dense texture, rich flavor, and beautiful appearance, this cake is a delightful addition to any celebration. So next time you're in the mood for something sweet, give this recipe a try.
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