Candied Fruit Mix Cake: A Scrumptious Recipe for Your Next Dessert
Course: Soft CakesDifficulty: Easy6
servings45
minutesEmbrace the festive season with a delightful Christmas cake that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This recipe, requiring no milk or oil, is a testament to the joy of holiday baking. Ideal for Christmas celebrations or a cozy family gathering, this cake promises to be a highlight of your festive feast.
Ingredients
120 g Soft butter ( 1/2 cup )
100 g Sugar ( 1/2 cup )
Pinch of salt
8 g Vanilla sugar or vanillin (1 tablespoon)
3 Eggs
8 g Baking powder ( 1 teaspoon )
225 g Flour (1+3/4 cups)
100 g Candied fruit mix (2/3 cup)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
-
Start by creaming the soft butter with sugar and vanilla sugar. This process is key to a light and fluffy cake.. - Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, then gently fold them into the wet mixture.
- Stir in the candied fruit mix, distributing it evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into a 24×11 cm buttered mold. Bake in a static preheated oven at 160°C for 40-45 minutes.
- Use a skewer or toothpick to check the cake. It should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Once cooled, brush the top with apricot jam for a glossy finish and added sweetness.
Recipe Video
Here’s the complete guide to making the Candied Fruit Mix Cake. Watch the step-by-step video tutorial and learn how to create this delicious treat for your special occasions!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Soft Butter: The butter provides a rich, creamy base, ensuring your cake is moist and tender.
- Sugar: Sugar not only sweetens the cake but also contributes to its golden-brown crust.
- Pinch of Salt: A small addition of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Vanilla Sugar: This adds a warm, aromatic vanilla flavor, infusing the cake with a classic, comforting taste.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together, adding structure and richness to the cake.
- Flour: The foundation of the cake, flour gives it body and texture.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder is crucial for the cake’s rise, making it light and fluffy.
- Candied Fruit Mix Cake: The candied fruits add a festive touch, bringing in a delightful burst of sweetness and color.
Expert Tips
- Creaming Technique: For the perfect texture, cream the butter and sugars until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This incorporates air and gives the cake a lighter crumb.
- Egg Temperature: Use eggs at room temperature. Cold eggs can harden the butter, affecting the cake’s texture.
- Sifting Flour: Always sift the flour and baking powder together. This not only removes lumps but also helps to aerate the mixture, resulting in a lighter cake.
- Folding Technique: Gently fold in the dry ingredients and candied fruits to avoid deflating the air incorporated during creaming.
- Batter Consistency: The batter should be of a dropping consistency. If it’s too thick, it can lead to a dense cake.
- Preventing Over-browning: If the cake is browning too quickly in the oven, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Testing for Doneness: In addition to the skewer test, gently press the top of the cake. It should spring back when it’s done.
- Cooling: Cool the cake in the mold for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This prevents the steam from making the cake soggy.
Variations
- Lemon Drizzle: For a tangy twist, drizzle a simple lemon glaze over the cake. Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and pour over the cooled cake.
- Alcohol-Infused: Soak the candied fruits in rum or brandy overnight before adding them to the batter for an adult version.
- Orange Glaze: Replace apricot jam with an orange marmalade glaze for a citrusy finish.
- Marzipan Layer: Roll out marzipan and place it over the cake before baking for a sweet, almond-flavored layer.
- Dried Fruit and Nut Mix: Use a mix of dried fruits like apricots, figs, and raisins along with nuts for a richer texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Ganache Topping: Once cooled, spread a layer of chocolate ganache over the cake for a luxurious finish.
- Red Velvet Twist: Add a bit of cocoa powder and red food coloring to the batter to create a festive red velvet Christmas cake.
- Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with applesauce or mashed bananas and use vegan butter for a vegan-friendly version.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. It can also be refrigerated, extending its freshness for up to a week, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for your Christmas celebrations.