Fruit cake with any kind of fruit

Fresh Fruit Cake - A Delicacy for Any Occasion

Who doesn't love a dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh fruits with the fluffy texture of a sponge cake? This fruit cake is a perfect choice for any time of the day, whether it's a brunch with friends, a family gathering, or simply a personal treat. Plus, it's a simple, quick, and versatile recipe that can be adapted to your preferences!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

- 500 g fruits (sour cherries, apricots, or strawberries)
- 8 eggs
- 16 tablespoons of sugar
- 16 tablespoons of flour
- ½ cup oil (about 10 tablespoons)
- Zest of one lemon
- Zest of one orange
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- ½ packet of baking powder
- Essences (vanilla, almond, or rum, to taste)

Necessary Utensils

- A large mixing bowl
- An electric mixer or whisk
- A silicone spatula
- A baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm)
- Baking paper

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Fruits: Start by cleaning the chosen fruits. If using sour cherries, make sure to remove the pits. Cut strawberries in halves or quarters, and apricots into slices. Once cleaned, you can lightly toss them in a bit of flour or sprinkle with vanilla sugar to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

2. Preparing the Batter: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and doubles in volume. This step is essential as it allows air to enter the mixture, giving the cake a fluffy texture.

3. Adding the Oil: Gradually add the oil while continuing to mix. The oil will make the batter moister and contribute to a softer cake.

4. Incorporating the Egg Whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. It is important that the bowl is clean and dry to achieve perfect meringue. Add the beaten egg whites to the yolk mixture along with the essences, vanilla sugar, lemon, and orange zest, then gently fold with a spatula using up-and-down motions to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

5. Adding the Flour: Sift the flour together with the baking powder into the egg mixture and gently mix until combined. This step is crucial to avoid lumps and ensure a uniform texture.

6. Preparing the Tray: Line the tray with baking paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make cleanup much easier.

7. Pouring the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared tray, then evenly distribute the fruits on top. You can arrange them nicely on the surface or fold them into the batter.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and passes the toothpick test (when you insert a toothpick in the center, it should come out clean).

9. Cooling and Serving: Let the cake cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a special touch.

Practical Tips

- Choosing Fruits: This recipe is extremely versatile! You can use seasonal or frozen fruits. In summer, sour cherries and peaches are excellent, while in winter, you can opt for blueberries or raspberries.
- Flavor Variations: Instead of vanilla sugar, you can experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg for a more complex flavor. Additionally, adding ground almonds can provide a special taste.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake offers a good source of vitamins from the fruits, such as vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Also, being rich in protein due to the eggs, it can be a satisfying snack.

Calories

One serving of fruit cake contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on the chosen fruits and the amount of sugar used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen fruits? Yes, that's perfectly fine! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter.
- How can I store the cake? It can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for a week, covered with plastic wrap.
- Can I add nuts or seeds? Absolutely! Ground nuts add a crunchy texture and a delicious flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious served plain, but you can accompany it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast. Additionally, a caramel or chocolate sauce can turn the dessert into a true masterpiece!

Conclusion

Fruit cake is a simple yet colorful and flavorful recipe that is sure to impress everyone. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations of fruits and flavors, creating unique desserts. This dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to enjoy fresh seasonal fruits. Try it and let yourself be carried away by the delicious flavors!