Are you craving a comforting, flavourful treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this delightful nut and fruit cake recipe! Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea, a special occasion, or simply a delicious healthy snack, this recipe combines the wholesome goodness of nuts and dried fruits with a touch of sweetness, making it a truly irresistible homemade dessert. This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, offering a quick dinner idea alternative if you're short on time but still want a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds – your choice!), chopped
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, cherries – get creative!), chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your cake releases easily once baked.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly risen cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer, but you can achieve the same result with a good amount of elbow grease!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure to mix well after each addition for a consistent batter.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Step 6: Fold in Nuts and Fruit
Gently fold in the chopped nuts and dried fruits. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, to avoid breaking up the nuts and fruit too much.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy this delicious homemade cake!
Tips for the Best Nut and Fruit Cake:
- Use good quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your cake will taste.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Let the cake cool completely: This allows the cake to set and makes it easier to slice.
Variations:
- Spiced Nut and Fruit Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients.
- Chocolate Nut and Fruit Cake: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter.
- Citrus Nut and Fruit Cake: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: Approximately 15-20g Sugar: Approximately 25-30g Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This delicious and easy-to-make nut and fruit cake is a perfect example of delicious dishes you can create with simple, readily available ingredients. It’s a great recipe for those looking for easy recipes and healthy meals that are also quick dinner ideas, perfect for homemade cooking. Enjoy!