Best 3 German Fruit Cake Recipes

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German fruit cake, also known as "Stollen," is a beloved holiday treat that originated in Germany. This delectable cake is characterized by its dense, moist texture, and an abundance of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The history of German fruit cake dates back several centuries, and it is believed to have originated in the eastern part of Germany, in the city of Dresden. Traditionally, German fruit cake is prepared during the Christmas season, and it is often decorated with marzipan and icing. The cake is typically made with a yeast dough, which gives it a light and fluffy texture. The addition of dried fruits, such as raisins, cranberries, and cherries, along with chopped nuts, candied citrus peel, and warm spices, creates a symphony of flavors that makes German fruit cake a truly special treat.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TRADITIONAL GERMAN OBST KUCHEN - FRESH FRUIT FLAN (SPONGE CAKE)



Traditional German Obst Kuchen - Fresh Fruit Flan (Sponge Cake) image

Traditional German Obst Kuchen is a Fresh Fruit Flan with a sponge-type cake base, sometimes with a thin layer of custard, topped with fresh fruit and then sealed with a fruit glaze. Obst Kuchen is very typically served throughout Germany during the afternoon coffee hour, with dollops of freshly whipped cream. One of my favorite toppings is fresh whole strawberries with a red currant or strawberry glaze. Fresh raspberries or other fresh or canned fruits such as kiwis, apricots, cherries, gooseberries, and pineapple are also popular. The traditional pan used is a 10-inch German flan pan, however a torte or springform pan would also work. Adapted from my friend Maite C's Obst Kuchen Boden recipe that was given to me when we were stationed at Ft. Campbell KY.

Provided by BecR2400

Categories     Dessert

Time 35m

Yield 1 German Obst Kuchen, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 lb margarine or 1/4 lb butter, softened
2 eggs, separated
1/4 lb sugar (150 grams or 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar)
1/4 lb flour (150 grams or 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons flour)
1 (1/4 ounce) packet dry yeast
1 teaspoon vanilla (or 1 tablespoon vanilla sugar)
1/2 cup milk (approximate)
2/3 cup prepared custard (optional)
2 -3 cups fresh fruit such as strawberries (or kiwis, apricots, cherries)
1/2 cup fruit jam mixed with a little water, to glaze (red currant, strawberry or apricot jam)
freshly whipped cream, to serve

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In large bowl, beat yolks. Add sugar, softened margarine and yeast. Mix well.
  • Add flour, then vanilla and mix well.
  • In separate bowl beat egg whites until stiff. Add egg whites to flour mixture - then gradually mix in enough milk to give a soft dropping consistency.
  • Grease German flan pan. Add dough to greased pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  • Bake at 350F degrees for about 20 minutes until tests done with a toothpick.
  • Remove from oven. Cool in pan on a rack for 15 minutes, then invert on a cake plate or other large plate.
  • Arrange fresh berries or other fresh or canned fruits (kiwi slices, pineapple, gooseberries, apricots, and cherries are nice) on top of the inverted sponge cake (note: you may add a thin custard layer prior to filling with fruit, if you wish). Spread your favorite fruit glaze over the top of the fruit (may use a clear glaze or use strawberry or red currant jelly, or apricot jam). Chill until serving time.
  • Serve with dollops of fresh whipped cream, and a cup of coffee. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 252.3, Fat 13.5, SaturatedFat 2.8, Cholesterol 55, Sodium 160.2, Carbohydrate 29.1, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 16, Protein 4.2

GERMAN FRUIT CAKE BOTTOM



German Fruit Cake Bottom image

Typically baked in a special round form that bakes a rim for easier filling, but any round 11 inch form will do. Fill baked bottom with 3/8 inch (1 cm) pastry cream or thick vanilla pudding and top with fresh fruit like strawberries. Keep strawberries from toppling off the cake by pouring a little strawberry flavored prepared jello over strawberries. When set cut cake into 12 wedges. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Provided by Inge 1505

Categories     Dessert

Time 35m

Yield 12 pieces, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 tablespoons butter, softened (6 Tbs)
6 tablespoons sugar (75 grams)
1 tablespoon vanilla sugar (sub with 1 t vanilla extract plus 1 Tbs sugar)
2 eggs
1 cup flour, plus
3 tablespoons flour (150 grams)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt
3 -4 tablespoons milk

Steps:

  • Grease pan. Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).
  • Cream butter, sugar and vanilla sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beat until light in color.
  • Mix flour, salt and baking powder. Add half of flour, beat until just blended. Add 3 tbs milk, just blend. Add rest of flour, just blend.
  • Batter should drop slowly from a spoon, forming long tips. If too firm add another tbs milk.
  • Spread batter evenly in pan.
  • Bake in lower third of oven 18-22 minutes until golden yellow. Let cool in form for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Use immediately or store tightly wrapped for 24 hours or freeze.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 404.6, Fat 20.4, SaturatedFat 12, Cholesterol 140.4, Sodium 323.6, Carbohydrate 48.2, Fiber 1, Sugar 19.1, Protein 7.5

GERMAN FRUIT CAKE



German Fruit Cake image

Ok First this is far from the same old fruit cake. When I was young I could never understand what people had against fruit cake. I loved it, then I tasted what most of America calls fruit cake. The first time I saw one it looked awful and I took a taste and told my mom, "that is a fake fruit cake."

Provided by Renee Cooper

Categories     Cakes

Time 3h30m

Number Of Ingredients 14

3/4 c butter or margarine
2 c sugar
4 eggs
3 c flour
1/2 tsp allspice, ground
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3/4 tsp baking soda
1 c buttermilk
2/3 c cherry preserves
2/3 c apricot preserves
2/3 c pineapple preserves
1 c pecans, in pieces
1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps:

  • 1. Mix Buttermilk with Baking soda and set aside. Cream butter (or Margarine), Sugar, & eggs until light, Sift dry ingredients together and add creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk and baking soda mixture. Fold in the remaining ingredients. Bake in two 9X5X3 pans or a large tube (or bunt) pan for 1.5 hrs. Cool in pan for 15 mins before removing.
  • 2. Personal note: For added delight you may lightly sprinkle the top of the cake with powdered sugar or serve the cake with whipped topping or any left over preserves. The preserves are what makes the difference the candied fruit is what makes a "Fake fruitcake" That candied fruit is nothing but unformed gummy bears in my opinion, nothing against gummy bears but you don't want them in a cake.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of fruits. This will give your cake a more complex flavor and texture. Some good choices include raisins, currants, cherries, apricots, and walnuts. You can use fresh, dried, or candied fruits.
  • Soak the fruits in alcohol. This will help to plump them up and make them more flavorful. You can use rum, brandy, or orange liqueur.
  • Use a good quality butter. This will make your cake more flavorful and moist. Unsalted butter is best, so you can control the amount of salt in the cake.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help to incorporate air into the cake, making it lighter and more tender.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help to prevent the cake from curdling.
  • Mix the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl. This will help to ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This will help to prevent the cake from becoming too dense.
  • Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan. This will help to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
  • Bake the cake according to the recipe instructions. Every oven is different, so it is important to keep an eye on the cake to make sure that it does not overcook.

Conclusion:

German fruit cake is a delicious and festive dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavor and moist texture, it is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you are looking for a special dessert, give German fruit cake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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