Fruit cake

Fruit Cake – A Fresh Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 10

Here’s a fruit cake recipe that will not only impress with its appearance but also delight the taste buds of your loved ones. This cake, with a light and fluffy base, combined with creamy pudding and fresh fruits, is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, a party, or simply a relaxing afternoon, this dessert will quickly become the star of the table.

A Touch of History

Over time, fruit cakes have been loved worldwide, symbolizing celebrations and joy. They have evolved from simple fruit pastries to sophisticated desserts, decorated with glazes and creams. Today, our version is simple yet full of flavors, influenced by culinary traditions from various cultures.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 8 eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 11-12 tablespoons of flour
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 essence of vanilla
- 1 baking powder
- 500 ml of sweet milk
- 1 packet of pudding (preferably vanilla or chocolate)
- 1 packet of gelatin (preferably red)
- Fresh fruits (1 banana, oranges, kiwi, cherries)

Ingredient Details:

- Eggs: It’s important for the eggs to be at room temperature for better whipping and to achieve a fluffy foam.
- Sugar: You can opt for brown sugar for a more caramelized taste or white sugar for a sweeter cake.
- Flour: Make sure to use quality flour to achieve a fluffy base.
- Pudding: You can experiment with different flavors, such as chocolate or caramel, to add a twist to the recipe.
- Fruits: Choose seasonal fruits for a more intense flavor and better texture.

Step by Step: Preparing the Fruit Cake

1. Preparing the pan: Start by greasing a pan with margarine, then dust it with flour. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan. Remove excess flour by turning the pan upside down and giving it a gentle tap.

2. Preheating the oven: Turn on the oven to 180°C to preheat, so the base bakes evenly.

3. Preparing the base: Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Using a mixer, beat the egg whites until you achieve a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix. Then, add the essences of rum and vanilla. Incorporate the yolks one at a time, mixing continuously.

4. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour, then gradually add it to the mixture, folding gently with a spatula to maintain airiness. Finally, extinguish the baking powder with a splash of vinegar and gently fold it into the mixture.

5. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until the base is nicely browned and passes the toothpick test.

6. Cooling the bases: Remove the base from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, gently poke the surface with a toothpick or fork, allowing the syrup to penetrate better.

7. Preparing the syrup: You can make a simple syrup from water and sugar, or use the juice from your favorite compote. Soak the base, ensuring it is evenly covered.

8. Preparing the pudding: In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Add the pudding and mix well according to the package instructions. Once the pudding has thickened, pour it evenly over the base.

9. Adding the fruits: Cut the fruits into slices or cubes and arrange them nicely over the pudding. Each fruit will add a note of freshness and color to the cake.

10. Preparing the gelatin: Follow the instructions on the package to prepare the gelatin. Carefully pour it over the fruits, ensuring they are completely covered.

11. Final cooling: Let the cake cool at room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator for a few hours (ideally overnight) for the gelatin to set.

Chef's Tip

To add an extra flavor, you can sprinkle some crushed nuts or coconut flakes on top of the cake before refrigerating it. These will not only provide a pleasant contrast of textures but will also enrich the cake's aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fruit cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more decadent dessert. Offer it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a complete culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! You can experiment with any fruits you like or that are in season. Blackberries, raspberries, or peaches are excellent choices.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cake base or use more tart fruits to balance the sweetness.

3. Is it possible to use store-bought pudding?
Yes, store-bought pudding is an excellent option to save time. Just make sure to choose a flavor that pairs well with the chosen fruits.

4. How long does the cake last in the refrigerator?
The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it is covered to prevent drying out.

Nutritional Benefits

This fruit cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients due to the fresh fruits. Fruits are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, essential for a balanced diet. The egg base provides protein, and the milk contributes calcium, making this a delicious and nutritious dessert.

Enjoy this fruit cake, a simple and quick recipe that will surely become one of your favorites! Bon appétit!