Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful cake that's as beautiful as it is delicious? Look no further! This Tutti Frutti Cake recipe is a celebration of fresh fruit, delivering a moist, tender crumb bursting with juicy goodness. It’s the perfect homemade treat for birthdays, potlucks, or simply a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a quick dinner alternative that's surprisingly healthy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup mixed candied fruits (cherries, pineapple, orange peel, etc.)
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans recommended)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Making the Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines the dry ingredients evenly, preventing clumps in the final batter.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer, but can be done by hand with a little elbow grease.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Adding the eggs one at a time helps to incorporate them fully into the batter.
Combining and Baking:
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Gently fold in the candied fruits, raisins, and nuts. Folding, rather than stirring vigorously, preserves the fruit pieces and prevents them from breaking down.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Cooling and Serving:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from crumbling as it cools.
Tips for the Best Tutti Frutti Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Adjust the fruit: Feel free to customize the candied fruits and nuts to your liking. Dried cranberries, apricots, or other nuts would be delicious additions.
- Glaze or icing: Enhance your cake with a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting.
Variations:
- Spiced Tutti Frutti Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Citrus Tutti Frutti Cake: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter for a bright citrusy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-45g
- Protein: Around 4-5g
This information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Tutti Frutti Cake recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Its vibrant colors and delightful flavors make it a showstopper, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious and quick dinner alternative – a true taste of homemade happiness!