Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: boiled fruit cake! This delightful treat has a special place in my heart and my kitchen. Growing up, I remember my grandmother making it during the holidays, filling the house with the warm, inviting scents of spices and sweet fruits. It’s not just any cake; it’s a beautiful blend of rich, moist flavors that come together with every bite. The boiled fruit cake is a lovely nod to tradition, often enjoyed during festive occasions but perfect for any day you need a cozy pick-me-up. I adore how versatile it is, allowing you to mix and match dried fruits to suit your taste. Trust me, once you experience the comforting flavors of this cake, it’ll become a cherished recipe in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (like raisins, currants, and chopped apricots)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
How to Prepare Instructions
- Start by boiling your dried fruits and water in a medium pot over medium heat. Let it come to a gentle boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes. This step helps to plump up the fruits and release all those wonderful flavors!
- Once the time is up, remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool completely. Patience is key here—don’t rush it, as this cooling phase is essential for the next steps!
- While your fruit mixture is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The texture should be smooth and creamy—so satisfying!
- Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You want everything to be well combined and lovely.
- Now, stir in that cooled fruit mixture until it’s evenly distributed. You’ll see all those beautiful colors come together!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and your warm spices—cinnamon and nutmeg. This is where the magic happens!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender cake here!
- Finally, fold in the chopped nuts for that delightful crunch. Yum!
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan (I like to use an 8-inch round pan) and smooth the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple preparation—perfect for busy days!
- Moist and flavorful, with a delightful mix of spices and fruits.
- Great for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy afternoon treat.
- Uses pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
- Perfect for sharing with family and friends; it’s sure to impress!
Tips for Success
To ensure your boiled fruit cake turns out perfectly every time, here are my go-to tips! First, use high-quality dried fruits for maximum flavor—look for ones without added sugar or preservatives if possible. You can mix and match according to your preference; just keep the total amount the same!
When creaming the butter and sugar, make sure your butter is at room temperature for that fluffy texture. Don’t skip the cooling time for the fruit mixture; it’s crucial for blending everything seamlessly. Also, remember to fold in the dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
Lastly, keep an eye on your cake as it bakes; every oven is different! A toothpick should come out clean when it’s done, but don’t open the oven door too early to avoid collapsing. Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about boiled fruit cake is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch up the dried fruits to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Try using dried figs, cranberries, or even mango for a tropical twist! If you’re feeling adventurous, add a handful of candied ginger or citrus zest to brighten the flavors.
As for spices, don’t hesitate to experiment! You could substitute the cinnamon and nutmeg with ginger or allspice for a different flavor profile. And when it comes to nuts, walnuts and pecans are classic choices, but how about tossing in some slivered almonds or hazelnuts for a delightful crunch?
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe truly your own—it’s all about what makes your taste buds sing!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness, just a quick note: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For each slice of this delightful boiled fruit cake, you can expect around 250 calories, 10g of fat, 20g of sugar, and 3g of protein. It also has about 35g of carbohydrates and 2g of fiber. Remember, it’s all about enjoying your treats in moderation!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your boiled fruit cake fresh and flavorful, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge, where it can last for up to a week. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
If you’d like to reheat a slice, simply pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes. This will revive that lovely moist texture and enhance those delicious flavors!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Not really! Dried fruits are key for the texture and moisture of the boiled fruit cake. Fresh fruit can add too much liquid and ruin the structure.
How long does the boiled fruit cake last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, it can last for up to a week in the fridge or about 3 days at room temperature. You can also freeze it for longer storage!
Can I make this cake vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use a plant-based butter. Just make sure to choose dried fruits that are vegan-friendly!
What can I serve with boiled fruit cake?
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a light glaze, whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Can I use different spices?
Of course! Feel free to mix it up with your favorite spices like ginger, cardamom, or even a pinch of cloves for a unique flavor twist!
Boiled Fruit Cake: 7 Comforting Flavors to Savor
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delicious and moist boiled fruit cake made with a variety of dried fruits and warm spices.
Zutaten
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
Anweisungen
- Boil the dried fruits and water in a pot for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs and mix well.
- Stir in the cooled fruit mixture.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and spices.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for better flavor.
- Can be served with a light glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 45 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: British
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 100mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: boiled fruit cake, fruit cake, dessert
