Fruit Cake

Candied Fruit Cake - A Delicious Treat Easy to Prepare

I propose a recipe for a candied fruit cake, a simple yet flavorful dessert that will win you over from the first slice. This recipe combines the warm aroma of melted butter with the sweetness of candied fruits and the crunch of hazelnuts, offering you an ideal dessert for any occasion, from a family meal to coffee with friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 70-80 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Necessary Ingredients:
- 4 fresh eggs
- 220 g granulated sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of rum (or 1 small bottle of rum and 2 teaspoons of țuică)
- Zest and juice from 1 and 1/2 lemons
- 220 g butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 450 g flour
- 3 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 200 g raisins
- 150 g candied fruits (cherries from jam or other favorite fruits)
- 100 g hazelnuts (or almonds, as preferred)

Step by Step - Guide to Achieving a Perfect Cake:
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). This is an important step, as a well-heated oven will ensure even baking and a perfect texture for the cake.

2. Preparing the ingredients: In a large bowl, crack the 4 eggs and add the granulated sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients at medium speed until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. This step is essential for incorporating air into the mixture, making the cake fluffier.

3. Adding flavors: Incorporate the rum, lemon zest, and juice into the egg mixture. The citrus aroma will add a fresh and vibrant taste to your dessert. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Incorporating the butter: Pour the melted, slightly cooled butter into the egg mixture and mix again. The butter should be warm but not hot to avoid cooking the eggs.

5. Adding dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step will help prevent lumps in the dough. Add the flour mixture to the wet composition, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. It is important to mix gently until the ingredients are homogeneous without overdoing it to avoid activating the gluten in the flour.

6. Enriching the cake: Now is the time to add the raisins, candied fruits, and hazelnuts. Mix gently to distribute them evenly in the dough. If using jam fruits, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

7. Baking the cake: Grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with baking paper. Pour the batter into the pan, leveling it evenly. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes of baking to avoid the cake sinking.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is cooked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle it with powdered sugar for an elegant look or serve it plain.

Serving Suggestions:
The candied fruit cake is delicious served alongside a cup of warm milk or a cup of aromatic coffee. You can also pair it with vanilla ice cream or mascarpone cream for a more sophisticated dessert. Don't forget, the cake keeps well wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, maintaining its freshness for several days.

Possible Variations:
If you want to explore different flavors, you can replace the candied fruits with chocolate chips, nuts, or other dried fruits of your choice. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour, for a healthier cake.

Nutritional Benefits:
This candied fruit cake is not only delicious but also a source of nutrients. Eggs are rich in protein, and hazelnuts provide healthy fats and vitamins. The candied fruits add extra fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other types of fruits instead of candied fruits?
Yes, you can use any type of dried fruits, chocolate, or even fresh fruits, but make sure they are well drained to avoid adding moisture to the dough.

2. Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
Sure! You can replace wheat flour with a combination of almond flour and rice flour or store-bought gluten-free flour.

3. How can I keep the cake fresh for longer?
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and if you keep it in the fridge, make sure it is well wrapped to prevent drying out.

In conclusion, the candied fruit cake is a simple yet versatile recipe that will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of joy to every day. Experiment with various ingredients and flavors to create your unique version of this delicious dessert!