Are you craving a moist, flavorful cake that's surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This fruit cake recipe with condensed milk is your answer. It's a delicious dessert perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight treats to festive gatherings. Forget complicated baking techniques – this recipe is designed for even the busiest home cooks, delivering incredible results with minimal effort. This recipe is a great example of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas if you serve it with some tea or coffee.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, cherries, etc.) – chopped
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) – optional
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for greasing the pan)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily once baked.
Mixing the Batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed milk and eggs until well combined. The condensed milk adds incredible moisture and sweetness. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Adding the Fruit and Nuts:
- Gently fold in the chopped dried fruits and nuts (if using). This preserves the texture of the fruit and nuts.
Baking the Cake:
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on it after 50 minutes.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Fruit Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
- Use a variety of dried fruits: Experiment with different combinations of dried fruits to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Add a glaze: Once cooled, you can drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar mixed with milk or lemon juice) over the cake for extra sweetness and shine.
- Store properly: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spiced Fruit Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Citrus Fruit Cake: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Chocolate Fruit Cake: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent chocolate fruit cake.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It is best to use a nutrition calculator for precise values based on your specific ingredients and serving size. This recipe provides a great source of healthy meals with its naturally sweet ingredients and simple baking methods.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This fruit cake recipe with condensed milk is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are easy to make. It's a perfect choice for those seeking easy recipes and homemade cooking satisfaction. Enjoy!