English fruitcake, also known as plum cake, wedding cake, or Christmas cake, is a distinctively dense and moist cake filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The cake is often soaked in spirits such as rum, brandy, or sherry, and can be aged for months or even years to allow the flavors to develop and mellow. With its rich and complex flavor profile, English fruitcake is a beloved holiday tradition enjoyed by people all over the world.
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FREE RANGE FRUITCAKE
Steps:
- Combine dried fruits, candied ginger and both zests. Add rum and macerate overnight, or microwave for 5 minutes to re-hydrate fruit.
- Place fruit and liquid in a non-reactive pot with the sugar, butter, apple juice and spices. Bring mixture to a boil stirring often, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for at least 15 minutes. (Batter can be completed up to this point, then covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before completing cake.)
- Heat oven to 325 degrees.
- Combine dry ingredients and sift into fruit mixture. Quickly bring batter together with a large wooden spoon, then stir in eggs one at a time until completely integrated, then fold in nuts. Spoon into a 10-inch non-stick loaf pan and bake for 1 hour. Check for doneness by inserting toothpick into the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean, it's done. If not, bake another 10 minutes, and check again.
- Remove cake from oven and place on cooling rack or trivet. Baste or spritz top with brandy and allow to cool completely before turning out from pan.
- When cake is completely cooled, seal in a tight sealing, food safe container. Every 2 to 3 days, feel the cake and if dry, spritz with brandy. The cake's flavor will enhance considerably over the next two weeks. If you decide to give the cake as a gift, be sure to tell the recipient that they are very lucky indeed.
QUICK AND EASY BRITISH FRUITCAKE
A quick and easy fruit cake for tea time that tastes best fresh out of the oven. You can use any mixed dried fruit you like, including cherries. [Recipe originally submitted to Allrecipes.co.uk]
Provided by Tessaann
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European UK and Ireland English
Time 1h10m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 6-inch round cake pan.
- Place flour in a bowl. Rub butter into the flour until mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Add mixed fruit, 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, and mixed spice. Stir to combine. Add milk and egg and mix until batter is soft and easy to drop.
- Drop batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle light brown sugar on top and pat down with the back of a spoon.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 1 to 1 1/4 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 347.6 calories, Carbohydrate 56.1 g, Cholesterol 54.5 mg, Fat 12.7 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 4.6 g, SaturatedFat 7.7 g, Sodium 367.6 mg, Sugar 17.9 g
FRUITCAKE
This dense fruitcake makes a delightful gift. The addition of alcohol means that fruitcakes can be tucked away for long periods of time.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cake Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Stir together dried fruit, candied ginger, peel, and 1/2 cup liqueur. Let stand at room temperature 3 hours or overnight.
- Cut parchment paper to line the bottom of a 7-by-3-inch or 9-by-2-inch round cake pan. Coat pan with cooking spray; line with parchment. Spray lining. Flour pan; tap out excess.
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Whisk together flour, baking powder, spices, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Put butter and sugars in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle; mix on medium speed until smooth. Mix in eggs (1 at a time), molasses, and vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture; mix until smooth. Mix in fruit, nuts, and coconut.
- Pour batter into pan. Bake until a cake tester comes out clean, about 2 1/2 hours for 9-inch cake or 2 3/4 hours for 7-inch cake. If desired, brush with up to 1/2 cup liqueur. Unmold; let cool.
Tips:
- Select high-quality ingredients: Use fresh, ripe fruits, good-quality spices, and unsalted butter for the best flavor.
- Soak the fruits in alcohol: This helps plump up the fruits and adds a depth of flavor to the cake.
- Use a variety of fruits: This will give the cake a more complex and interesting flavor. Common fruits used in fruitcake include raisins, currants, cherries, and candied citrus peel.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Bake the cake at a low temperature for a long time: This helps to prevent the cake from drying out.
- Wrap the cake in cheesecloth or parchment paper and store it in a cool, dark place: This will help the cake to mature and develop its flavor.
Conclusion:
English fruitcake is a delicious and festive holiday treat. With its rich, fruity flavor and moist texture, it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. By following these tips, you can make a fruitcake that is both delicious and beautiful.
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