Cake with dried fruits

Dried Fruit Cake - A Dive into Holiday Flavors

The dried fruit cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a tradition that revives warm memories and brings us together during special moments. This cake recipe, often associated with the holidays, blends the rich flavors of dried fruits with the finesse of dark chocolate and a splash of brandy, creating a truly festive dessert. It is not just a cake; it is a culinary experience that will fill your heart with joy and your table with flavors.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10 slices

Ingredients

- 200g butter
- 200g fine brown sugar
- 100g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
- 75ml good quality brandy
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 500g raisins
- 100g dried currants
- 100g dried cherries
- 100g mixed candied citrus peel
- 200g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 100g ground almonds
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon mixed cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg
- 3 eggs

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. Ensure that the butter and chocolate are at room temperature for easier mixing. If you don’t have your preferred dried fruits, feel free to experiment with other types like figs or apricots.

Step 2: The chocolate mixture
In a large saucepan, add the butter, brown sugar, dark chocolate, brandy, vanilla, and dried fruits. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly until everything is well combined. This process will release the wonderful aromas of the fruits and chocolate, filling your kitchen with enticing scents.

Step 3: Preparing the oven and the pan
Preheat the oven to 130°C. Meanwhile, prepare a 20 cm round cake pan. Line the inside of the pan with a double layer of baking paper. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 4: The dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, ground almonds, cocoa powder, and spices. This mixture will add depth and complexity to the flavor of your cake.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients
When the chocolate mixture has cooled slightly, add the lightly beaten eggs. Mix well, then fold in the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; a homogeneous but slightly chunky batter is ideal.

Step 6: Baking the cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Place the cake pan in a larger pan filled with hot water to create a steam bath. This will help the cake bake evenly and retain moisture. Bake the cake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cooling and decorating
After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can choose to decorate it with fondant or serve it plain alongside whipped cream. The latter adds a contrasting texture and refreshing touch to the richness of the cake.

Serving and Suggestions

The dried fruit cake is perfect for festive meals, whether for Christmas, New Year’s, or other celebrations. It can be served with a glass of sweet wine or a fragrant tea, adding an extra touch of elegance. Another delicious option is to accompany it with vanilla ice cream, which will perfectly complement the intense flavor of the cake.

Nutritional Information

One slice of cake (approximately one serving) has about 350 calories. It contains carbohydrates from fruits and sugar, healthy fats from nuts and butter, as well as antioxidants from cocoa and dark chocolate. Dried fruits are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, providing important nutritional benefits.

Possible Variations

If you want to personalize the recipe, you can try adding other dried fruits or nuts. For example, almonds can be replaced with pecans or hazelnuts. Additionally, you can add a splash of orange essence to enhance the citrus aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of alcohol instead of brandy?
Yes, you can try rum or whiskey, which will add a different but complementary flavor.

2. How can I keep the cake for a longer time?
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The cake becomes tastier as it sits, due to the interaction of flavors.

3. Is decorating the cake necessary?
Not necessarily! The cake is delicious and simple, so you can serve it without decoration.

The dried fruit cake is a piece of tradition that blends the past and present, bringing together people and special moments. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its flavors, turning every meal into a celebration. I challenge you to share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy each slice of joy together!