Are you looking for a recipe that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Brazil Nut Fruit Cake is the perfect blend of moist, fruity sweetness and a delightful nutty crunch. It's ideal for a special occasion, an afternoon tea, or even a simple weeknight treat. This recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional fruitcakes, making it a perfect addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Forget those complicated, time-consuming fruitcake recipes; this one is surprisingly simple, making it a great choice for even beginner bakers. Let's dive into this homemade cooking adventure!
Ingredients:
- 200g pitted dates, chopped
- 100g dried cranberries
- 100g mixed peel
- 50g Brazil nuts, roughly chopped
- 175g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 175g light brown sugar
- 175ml vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan/Gas Mark 3). Grease and line a 20cm square baking tin. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents for a lighter cake.
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Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined. This emulsifies the ingredients, creating a smooth batter.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
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Add the Fruit & Nuts: Stir in the chopped dates, cranberries, mixed peel, and Brazil nuts. Fold them gently into the batter to distribute them evenly throughout the cake.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Keep an eye on it after 50 minutes, as ovens can vary.
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Cool & Serve: Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures even cooling.
Tips for the Best Brazil Nut Fruit Cake:
- Toasting the Nuts: To enhance the flavour of the Brazil nuts, consider toasting them lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the batter.
- Soaking the Dates: Soaking the dates in warm water for 15-20 minutes before chopping them will make them softer and easier to blend into the cake.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 25g.
- Adding Spices: Experiment with other spices such as ginger or allspice to create your own unique flavour combinations.
Variations:
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a zesty twist.
- Chocolate Delight: Stir in 50g of dark chocolate chips for a decadent chocolate Brazil nut fruit cake.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the self-raising flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350 (depending on serving size and ingredients used)
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Sugar: Around 25-30g
Enjoy your delicious and easy Brazil Nut Fruit Cake! It's perfect for sharing with friends and family, or savoring as a delightful treat all to yourself. This recipe offers a fantastic example of how delicious and easy homemade cooking can be. These easy recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and offer great options for healthy meals. Remember to experiment with different variations and make it your own!