Fruit cake

Fruit Cake - An Unforgettable Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings

The history of fruit cake is one filled with flavor and joy, being a classic dessert that brings together the natural flavors of fruits and the sweetness of fluffy batter. This simple and quick cake recipe will delight you with every slice, turning any meal into a special moment.

Ingredients

- 5 eggs (approximately 315 g)
- 315 g granulated sugar
- 315 g flour
- 100 ml oil
- 1 packet of baking powder (10 g)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (10 g)
- A pinch of salt
- 700 g fruit cut into small pieces (choose seasonal fruits: apples, pears, peaches, strawberries, etc. If you don't have fresh fruit, you can use canned fruit, ensuring you drain them well)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as they will incorporate better into the batter. If you have farm-fresh eggs, you will notice a more vibrant yolk, which will add a beautiful touch to your cake.

2. Whip the Egg Whites
In a large bowl, add the egg whites. Use a food processor or an electric mixer to beat them until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy mixture. This is when air enters the egg whites, giving the cake a light and fluffy texture.

3. Add the Egg Yolks
Incorporate the egg yolks, salt, and vanilla sugar. Mix at medium speed until the mixture becomes homogeneous and a vibrant yellow.

4. Incorporate the Oil
Gradually add the oil while continuing to mix. This will add moisture and help the cake stay soft even the next day.

5. Combine the Flour
Sift the flour together with the baking powder to avoid lumps. Gradually add the flour to the egg mixture, using a spatula or mixing at low speed. Mix until the batter is uniform, being careful not to overmix.

6. Prepare the Baking Pan
Take an enameled baking pan (this helps with even baking) and grease it with oil, then dust it with a little flour. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking.

7. Add the Fruit
Pour the batter into the pan and scatter the fruit pieces on top. Do this quickly to prevent the fruit from sinking into the batter. Choose fresh, seasonal fruit to add vibrant flavor, but you can also use canned fruit during colder months.

8. Bake the Cake
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Once the oven is hot, place the pan inside to bake. At first, set the oven to a higher temperature to help the cake rise quickly, but be careful not to burn the edges. Bake the cake for 40-45 minutes. Check with a toothpick in areas without fruit to ensure the batter is cooked.

9. Cooling and Serving
After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan. Once cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar. Serve the cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert.

Practical Tips

- Fruit Variations: Depending on the season, you can experiment with different fruit combinations. For example, add blueberries and raspberries for a tart flavor or bananas and nuts for an exotic taste.
- Powdered Sugar: Consider using powdered sugar flavored with cinnamon to add a warm note to your cake.
- Checking Doneness: If the cake is burning on the edges but not cooked in the center, you can cover the pan with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Serving: Share the cake with friends and family, and if you want a personal touch, you can create a caramel or chocolate sauce to add extra flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This fruit cake is not only delicious but also a source of vitamins and fiber, thanks to the fresh fruit included in the recipe. The eggs add protein, and the oil provides healthy fats. Perfect for a quick dessert, fruit cake can be a healthier choice compared to other sweets loaded with saturated fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen fruit? Yes, you can use frozen fruit, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter.
- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent it from drying out. It can be consumed for up to 3 days.
- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen. Cut it into slices and wrap them well in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer.

This fruit cake is an excellent choice for any occasion, from a simple snack to a celebration with friends. Its delicacy and flavors will make you return to this recipe time and again, turning it into a family favorite. Enjoy!