In the realm of delectable desserts, fruitcakes stand as true gems, captivating the taste buds with their intricate flavors and festive appearance. With a rich history dating back centuries, fruitcakes have evolved into culinary masterpieces, cherished for their dense, moist texture and symphony of candied fruits, nuts, and spices. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice cook, embarking on a fruitcake-baking adventure can be an incredibly rewarding experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the secrets of crafting the perfect "yummy yummy" fruitcake, providing step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and a curated collection of mouthwatering recipes. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a delightful journey into the world of fruitcake artistry.
Let's cook with our recipes!
WORLD'S BEST FRUIT CAKE
A traditional moist fruit cake made with rum soaked dried fruit, citrus zest, and candied ginger. The best fruit cake recipe you'll ever make! It turns cynics into converts. This fruit cake recipe yields two (8 x 4-inch) loaf cakes. Wrap in sherry or triple sec soaked cheesecloth for at least a week for best flavor!
Provided by Laura / A Beautiful Plate
Categories Cakes and Cupcakes
Time P1DT2h
Number Of Ingredients 28
Steps:
- The Day Before Baking: Combine the dried fruit in a large mixing bowl. Add the dark rum, cover, and allow the mixture to soak at room temperature for a minimum of 12 hours, or ideally 24 hours prior to preparing the fruit cake batter.
- Prepare the Fruitcake: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) with a rack in the center position. Set aside two 8x4-inch All Clad Pro-Release Bakeware Loaf Pans. If using these pans, you do not need to line or grease the pans prior to adding the batter. Equipment Note: This fruitcake can also be prepared using 9x5-inch loaf pans. If using other types of pans, lightly grease and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, spices, and salt. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together over medium-high speed for 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to medium and add the eggs one at a time, beating just until each egg is incorporated. The mixture will look slightly broken, that's ok.
- Over low speed, slowly add the flour mixture until just absorbed. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer. Add the lemon zest, orange zest, fresh orange juice, grated apple, slivered almonds, diced candied ginger, soaked dried fruit mixture (along with any liquid if it hasn't already been absorbed), and chocoate (if using). Stir mixture with a large spatula, scraping the edges and bottom of the bowl several times, until all of the ingredients are evenly incorporated. It is a very thick, fruit heavy mixture.
- Transfer and divide the batter evenly among the loaf pans. Use an offset spatula to smooth the batter into an even layer. Set the loaf pans on the center rack, several inches apart from one another. Bake - rotating the pans halfway - for 75 to 90 minutes or until the batter is set and the tops are golden brown. The edges of the cake may also start to pull away slightly from the edges of the pan. Remove from the oven and place on a rack to cool completely before removing from the pans.
- Storing and Aging: Once the cake has cooled, carefully remove the cakes from the loaf pans and set upright. Soak two large pieces of cheesecloth in medium sherry or triple sec (*they should be lightly damp, not soaking wet when you wrap the cakes, so you may need to squeeze out any excess liquor). Wrap each cake tightly. Cover loafs with wax paper and foil before transferring to a large Ziploc bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 to 8 weeks (it can often last even longer). You can serve this cake right after it has cooled, but the flavors improve greatly with time (I recommend several days or up to a week, at minimum). Unwrap and re-soak the cheesecloth once a week.
- For Garnishing: If desired, you can top the fruitcake with a light apricot glaze and whole pecans before serving. Note: I don't recommend glazing the cake if you wish to continue to wrap and age the fruitcake. To Prepare the Glaze: Combine the apricot preserves and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a light simmer, stirring until the glaze is shiny and thin. If it is too thin for glazing, reduce to desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a teaspoon of water. Brush the tops of the fruitcakes with apricot glaze and garnish with whole pecans.
- Serving Notes: Slice fruit cake with a serrated knife. Serve on its own or spread with a small amount of salted butter.
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 196 kcal, Carbohydrate 36 g, Protein 3 g, Fat 5 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Sodium 58 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 26 g, UnsaturatedFat 2 g
YUMMY YUMMY FRUITCAKE
I received this recipe from an elderly lady several years ago. She bakes this cake yearly and give them away as Cristmas present. Best fruit cake I've ever eaten. This recipe makes about 10 lbs of cake.
Provided by Nine 12 fingers
Categories Dessert
Time 2h
Yield 10 slices, 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Mix together softened shortening, brown sugar, white sugar, rum flavoring, water and eggs.
- Mix well.
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cloves, cinnamon.
- Mix well.
- Add glazed fruit mix and shelled walnuts.
- Mix well.
- Bake in 350 degree oven until a tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Baking time depends upon size of pans you use.
- Let cakes cool about 5 minutes before removing them from the pans.
- Place them on waxed paper and put waxed paper over them to prevent them from becoming dry.
- I then cover them with a heavy towel until they are cold then wrap them in saran wrap to keep them moist.
EASY-DOES-IT FRUITCAKE
These miniature loaves are chock-full of tempting fruit and nuts. The glaze makes them extra moist and tasty. They are wonderful to give as gifts and fun to serve to holiday guests. -Romaine Wetzel, Ronks, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h30m
Yield 5 loaves (8 slices each).
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- In large bowl, combine 1/4 cup flour, candied fruit, dates, raisins and nuts; toss until well coated; set aside., In another large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and remaining flour; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with orange juice, beating well after each addition. Stir in fruit and nut mixture; mix well., Spoon into five greased 5-3/4x3x2-in. baking pans (pans will be full). Bake at 325° for 1 hour. Cover with foil; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. , In a small bowl, combine glaze ingredients until smooth. With a pastry brush, brush glaze over warm loaves. Cool completely.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 239 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 158mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
QUICK FRUITCAKE
This fruitcake recipe is very easy to make through use of prepared mincemeat and mixed candied fruit for a quick Christmas-time classic.
Provided by Linda C.
Categories Desserts Cakes Fruitcake Recipes
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Butter cake pans, and line with wax paper. Butter the wax paper.
- Sift the flour with the baking soda.
- In a large bowl, combine eggs, mincemeat, condensed milk, fruit, and nuts. Fold in dry ingredients. Pour into prepared pans.
- Bake for 2 hours, or until center springs back and top is golden brown. Cool. Turn cakes out onto wire rack; remove wax paper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 262.4 calories, Carbohydrate 50.4 g, Cholesterol 21.1 mg, Fat 6.1 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 3.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 209.6 mg, Sugar 21.8 g
BEST EVER FRUIT CAKE
This is an absolute delicious fruit cake!
Provided by watty018
Time 2h20m
Yield Serves 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Put the sugar, sultanas, currants, raisins, water, cherries, butter or margarine, salt into a saucepan, bringing it to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes
- Pour into a mixing bowl and allow to cool. Pre heat the oven to 170 degrees / Gas Mark 3
- Grease and line with grease proof paper a 20 cm round cake tin
- Add the egg to the cooled fruit mixture and stir in well. Add the flour and mix well
- Turn into the prepared cake tin, smooth the top and arrange optional almonds on the top.
- Bake for 1.25 - 1.50 hours until risen and golden brown. Cool slightly before turning out. The cake improves with keeping.
Tips:
- Mise en place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all of your ingredients and tools ready to go. This will help you avoid any scrambling or forgetting something important.
- Use high-quality fruit: The quality of the fruit you use will directly impact the taste of your fruitcake. Choose fresh, ripe fruit that is free of blemishes.
- Soak the fruit: Soaking the fruit in alcohol or fruit juice overnight will help to plump it up and give it a richer flavor.
- Use a heavy baking pan: A heavy baking pan will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the fruitcake from burning.
- Bake the fruitcake at a low temperature: Baking the fruitcake at a low temperature will help to prevent it from drying out.
- Let the fruitcake cool completely before frosting: This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.
Conclusion:
Fruitcake is a delicious and festive holiday treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a little planning and effort, you can make a fruitcake that will be the star of your holiday table. Just remember to use high-quality ingredients, soak the fruit overnight, and bake the fruitcake at a low temperature. With these tips, you'll be sure to make a fruitcake that everyone will love.
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