Fruitcake

Fruitcake: a sweet that combines tradition with the intense flavor of fruits. This cake is perfect for adding a touch of magic to any meal or to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or tea during quiet afternoons.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15-80 minutes
Number of servings: 10

A brief story about the cake:
The cake is a dessert that has traversed generations, being a popular choice due to its versatility. It can be customized with various ingredients, but the combination of candied fruits offers a unique, sweet, and aromatic taste. The tradition of adding dried fruits to the cake batter arose from the desire to bring an extra layer of flavor and texture, and today this recipe is appreciated worldwide.

Your ingredients for a perfect cake:
- 200 g dried or candied fruits (cherries, orange peel, apricots, pineapple, dates, papaya, ginger, cranberries)
- 50 g colorful Turkish delight
- 50 g brown and golden raisins
- 5 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 150 g butter (preferably at room temperature)

Helpful tips about ingredients:
- Choose high-quality candied fruits, as they will influence the final taste of the cake. Buy from reliable sources to ensure they are fresh and flavorful.
- Raisins are an essential ingredient in this recipe. Soak them in cognac mixed with rum essence to enhance their flavor. If you prefer, you can also use orange juice or water to hydrate them.
- The butter should be at room temperature to mix evenly with the sugar.

Step by step to achieve a dream cake:

1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (low heat). Make sure you have prepared a cake pan, which you can line with parchment paper or grease with butter and sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking.

2. Hydrating the raisins: In a small bowl, place the raisins and add the cognac mixed with rum essence. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes, to become soft and flavorful.

3. Preparing the candied fruits: Cut the candied fruits into smaller pieces (e.g., cherries, apricots, pineapple) and mix them with a tablespoon of flour. This step will help prevent the fruits from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

4. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, cream the butter with the sugar using a mixer. Continue until you achieve a fluffy, light-colored mixture. Add the egg yolks one by one, mixing well after each addition.

5. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and a little lemon juice until frothy. This step will add air and a light texture to the cake.

6. Incorporating the ingredients: Add the mixture of candied fruits to the butter mixture, followed by part of the flour and part of the egg whites. Gently mix with a spatula to avoid deflating the egg whites. Continue to add the remaining flour and egg whites, mixing gently until the ingredients are well integrated.

7. Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place it in the oven. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until the cake is golden and passes the toothpick test. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready.

8. Cooling: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake with a drizzle of chocolate glaze or plain, alongside a cup of aromatic tea. You can add a few slices of fresh orange for a refreshing contrast in flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other candied fruits?
Absolutely! You can experiment with seasonal fruits or your preferences. Nuts can also be added for extra texture.

- How can I store the cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, and if you want to consume it later, you can freeze it. Make sure it is well wrapped in cling film.

Nutritional benefits:
This fruitcake is a source of fiber due to the dried fruits, aiding digestion. Additionally, the butter adds healthy fats necessary for the body. However, consume it in moderation, considering the amount of sugar and calories.

Possible variations:
For a healthier version, you can replace the sugar with a natural sweetener or use whole wheat flour instead of white flour. Adding spices (such as cinnamon or nutmeg) can provide an even deeper flavor to your cake.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to start cooking! Enjoy every step and savor the final result: a fruitcake that will delight both you and your loved ones!