A homemade cake is a delightful and rewarding treat that offers a personal touch compared to store-bought alternatives. The process of baking allows for creativity, customization, & the use of high-quality ingredients, often resulting in a fresher, tastier, & more wholesome dessert. And a well-made fruit cake is a rich, flavorful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of dried fruits with the crunch of nuts & the warmth of spices. The soaking of fruits in juice or alcohol adds depth to the flavor, & with time, the cake often becomes even more delicious as the flavors meld together.

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Here’s a classic fruit cake recipe that’s moist, flavorful, and filled with dried fruits and nuts. It's perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped apricots, cranberries, etc.)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice (or rum/brandy for a richer flavor)
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 and 1/4 cups (150g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Buy now:- Dessert Plates
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup (50g) chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon for added flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fruits:

   • Soak the dried fruits in orange juice (or rum/brandy) for at least a few hours or overnight to let them absorb the liquid and become plump.

2. Preheat the oven:

   • Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and grease an 8-inch round or square cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

3. Mix the dry ingredients:

   • In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

4. Cream the butter and sugar:

   • In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter & brown sugar until light & fluffy. This may take 3-4 mins with an electric mixer. Buy now:- Coffee Mug & Dessert Plate

5. Add eggs:

   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and citrus zest, if using.

6. Combine wet and dry ingredients:

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients.

7. Fold in the soaked fruits and nuts:

   • Gently fold the soaked dried fruits (including any leftover liquid) and chopped nuts into the batter until evenly distributed.

8. Bake:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan & smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours. Buy now:- Love Wine Glass

9. Cool:

   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Finishing Touches:

• Brush the top with a little rum or brandy while the cake is still warm to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Fruit cakes often taste better after a few days of resting, allowing the flavors to develop.

The process of baking and allowing the cake to mature enhances its taste, making it even more special. A homemade fruit cake is not just a dessert—it's a celebration of tradition, care, and craftsmanship.

Enjoy your homemade fruit cake!