Are you dreaming of a moist, intensely flavorful fruit cake that's perfect for afternoon tea or a special occasion? Look no further! This dark fruit cake recipe delivers a rich, deeply satisfying experience, effortlessly elevating any gathering. It's surprisingly easy to make, proving that homemade delicious dishes don't have to be complicated. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet stunning dessert! This recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes that yield impressive results. It's the perfect addition to your collection of healthy meals, offering a sweet treat without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dark raisins
- 1 cup mixed dried cranberries and cherries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee or tea, cooled
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of spices throughout your cake.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a light and airy cake; take your time! A stand mixer makes this easy, but you can certainly use a hand mixer as well.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the cooled coffee or tea, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Fruit and Nuts
Gently fold in the raisins, cranberries, cherries, and nuts (if using). Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can dust it with powdered sugar, glaze it, or serve it plain. This quick dinner idea is also surprisingly satisfying as a dessert!
Tips for the Best Dark Fruit Cake:
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your fruit cake will be directly impacted by the quality of your ingredients. Opt for plump, juicy dried fruits.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Let the cake cool completely: This prevents the cake from crumbling when you slice it.
- Store properly: Store your fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It also freezes beautifully!
Variations:
- Spiced it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
- Citrus twist: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Boozy boost: Add ½ cup of your favorite dark liquor (rum, brandy, or bourbon) to the batter for an adult twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator website and input the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe. However, this recipe generally provides a good source of fiber from the dried fruit.
This dark fruit cake recipe is a testament to the magic of homemade cooking. It’s a delicious dish perfect for sharing and savoring – a true crowd-pleaser! Enjoy!