Are you looking for a delicious and easy dessert recipe that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further! This Apricot Fruit Cake recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy apricots, spiced with warming cinnamon, and baked to golden perfection. It's a fantastic homemade treat, ideal for afternoon tea, a celebratory gathering, or simply a comforting sweet treat on a cozy evening. This recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, offering a simple yet elegant dessert that's sure to impress. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1 cup chopped dried apricots
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients helps ensure even baking and flavor distribution throughout the cake.
Wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can achieve similar results with a good amount of elbow grease! Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Fruit Power: Gently fold in the apricot preserves and chopped dried apricots. This is where the magic happens! The combination of the sweet preserves and the chewy dried apricots creates a delightful textural contrast.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your cake; oven temperatures can vary.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar, drizzle it with a simple glaze, or enjoy it as is.
Tips for the Best Apricot Fruit Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Cooling is key: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or serving to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a brighter, more citrusy flavor.
- Nuts: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Glaze: A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a little milk or apricot juice adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 300-350 Fat: Around 15-20g Sugar: Around 25-30g
This Apricot Fruit Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet apricots and warming spices creates a delicious and satisfying treat. Enjoy!