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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan or a bundt pan with parchment paper.
- Soak the Fruit: In a bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit with a splash of orange juice or warm water. Let it soak for about 30 minutes. This step helps to plump up the fruits, enhancing their flavor.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange juice until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold in the soaked dried fruit and mixed nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve: Once cooled, slice the cake and serve it plain, or drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and orange juice for added sweetness. This cake pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.
Tips for the Perfect Fruit Cake
- Aging the Cake: If you’re planning ahead, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld together over time, resulting in a richer taste. It can be stored for several weeks.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different types of dried fruits, nuts, or even add a splash of your favorite liquor (such as rum or brandy) for an adult twist.
- Presentation: Decorate the cake with candied fruits or nuts on top for a festive touch, making it a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table.
Conclusion
This Super Moist Fruit Cake recipe is a deliciously rich treat that captures the essence of celebration. Whether enjoyed fresh or aged, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household. Its delightful combination of flavors and textures makes it perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to simple afternoon tea. Embrace the warmth of the season and indulge in a slice of this delectable fruit cake!
Let me know if you need any adjustments or additional information!