There’s something truly comforting about a Fruit and Nut Cake. This delightful dessert brings together the natural sweetness of dried fruits and the satisfying crunch of nuts, making it perfect for festive occasions, afternoon tea, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Unlike traditional fruitcakes that are often dense, this recipe delivers a moist, flavorful cake with the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. It’s versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite fruits and nuts. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake will fill your home with warmth and joy.
This recipe is easy to follow, and the results are nothing short of impressive. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s bake this delicious fruit and nut cake together!
2. Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
For the Fruit and Nut Mix:
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries, or dates)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to coat the fruits and nuts)
3. Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with orange juice, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Toss the dried fruits and nuts with 2 tablespoons of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom. Fold them gently into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. How to Prepare
- Fruit Selection: Use a mix of your favorite dried fruits. Chop larger pieces like apricots or dates into bite-sized chunks for even distribution.
- Nut Preparation: Lightly toast the nuts before adding them for a richer flavor.
- Prevent Sinking: Coating the fruits and nuts in flour ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
- Testing Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
5. Preparation Time
- Active Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 50–60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
6. Servings
This recipe makes 8–10 servings.
7. FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
A: Dried fruits work best for this recipe as they provide concentrated sweetness and won’t release excess moisture. Fresh fruits may alter the texture.
Q: How do I store this cake?
A: Wrap the cake in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 4 days. It can also be refrigerated for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze the fruit and nut cake?
A: Yes! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I make this cake alcohol-infused?
A: Absolutely! Soak the dried fruits in rum or brandy for a few hours before adding them to the batter for a festive twist.
Q: Can I substitute the orange juice?
A: Lemon juice, apple juice, or even milk can be used as substitutes for orange juice, depending on your flavor preference.
8. Conclusion
This Fruit and Nut Cake is a true celebration of flavors and textures. With its rich, moist crumb, bursts of sweet dried fruits, and the crunch of toasted nuts, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or as a special treat with your morning coffee.
What makes this cake so special is its adaptability. You can tailor the mix-ins to your liking, experiment with different spices, or even add a touch of chocolate for a decadent twist. No matter how you serve it, this fruit and nut cake will bring smiles and warmth to your table. Try it today and enjoy every delightful bite!