What is Holiday Season without a Fruit Cake? This recipe has all the essentials of a moist and delicious Xmas cake. Perfect for kids and grown-ups!
2017 passed by in a blink and we are TWO days away from 2018. Especially the last two months. I was gone for most part of November and December on a really long holiday and now slowly getting back to the blog! The jetlag and the cold gloomy weather doesn't seem to be helping.
Last weekend for Christmas I baked a Fruit Cake and I know I am late in posting it here. But this cake can be made at any time; why just for Christmas? In fact, I would make this in summer and enjoy it even without Christmas!
As we speed towards the next year; making resolutions for 2018, reminiscing the year that went by and preparing to take on challenges that the next year will bring us; it is time to celebrate NYE. This cake is PERFECT for your New Year party. Not to forget, this one has zero alcohol making it awesome for kids too.
I made an 8 inch cake and the two of us gobbled it even before the 31st of December came by. So, you know how much to make for your upcoming party. If you plan to make it for NYE, it is time to start soaking the ingredients NOW. Read the entire post and get going!
With this recipe being the LAST of this year, I cannot wait to take on 2018. I bought myself an Instant Pot this year and I am loving it already. Cannot wait to share all my experiences with that on the blog soon. Plus a ton of new recipes coming up for all of you.
So until the next year comes up, enjoy this recipe and make sure you have your cakes ready for the party. I can't wait to see how your versions turn out. Do share them with me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Variations
This cake is filled with all my favorites; tutti frutti, cranberries, cherries and nuts. Plus, these ingredients are soaked in Sparkling Cider; making them delicious and super moist, plus enhancing the flavor. Though the cake does not have any alcohol, most of my alcohol loving friends do approve of it! So I assume we are not missing much by making this one!!
Plus, this recipe is such that you can add in all your favorite ingredients and leave out the rest. Like if you do not like dates, skip them and if you like prunes, add them. Just ensure the ingredients are substituted in a way that it is about 1 cup for every cup of All purpose flour used.
Happy Holidays everyone!
Ingredients
For Soaking
Nuts 1 cup (I used almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts and pistachios)
Cranberries ¼ cup (fresh or frozen)
Tutti Frutti ¼ cup
Dates 2-3, pitted
Cherries 3-4, pitted
Dried Apricots 3-4
Sparkling Grape Cider 1 cup
For the Cake
All Purpose Flour 2 cups
Sugar 1 cup
Unsalted Butter 3 tbsp
Orange Extract 1-2 drops
Vanilla Extract 1 tsp
Orange Zest 1 tsp
Baking Powder 1 ½ tsp
Baking Soda ½ tsp
Egg 1 medium
Salt ¼ tsp
Method
For Soaking
Chop the nuts to small bits. Also chop the dates, cherries and apricots. In a glass bowl mix together all the ingredients except orange zest and sparkling grape cider.
Pour in the cider as required to soak all the nuts and other ingredients. Let the mixture soak for atleast 30 minutes to a day or two.
Once soaked, drain the mixture. Collect the soaking fluid and add in more if required to make it ¾ cup. Set aside.
For the Cake
Preheat oven to 350 F/ 180 C. Line a 8 inch pan or a bread loaf with cooking spray or parchment paper. Set aside.
In the base of the stand mixer beat the egg. Once beaten, add in the vanilla extract, orange extract, orange zest and the soaking fluid.
In another bowl sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and sugar.
Add unsalted butter to the mixer and beat well. Add in the dry ingredients and beat. Finally mix in all the soaked ingredients till just mixed.
Transfer the mixture to the pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes till a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Serve topped with powdered sugar (optional) and maraschino cherries/ cranberries. I loved it with a side of hot chocolate with whipping cream!
Anjali says
Can i substitute egg with milk or butter
Smruti Ashar says
You can mix together 3 tbsp flax seed powder with 1 tbsp water and let it stand till it is like jelly. Then add that in place of egg. Works well!
Neha Jani says
Would it be ok to mail it across the country?? In the sense would it stay good for few days? Planning to make and send it to my family in other state.
Smruti Ashar says
The cake stays fresh for atleast a week. You can definitely mail it to family members in other states. Just choose a method that delivers the quickest to ensure it is still fresh. After making it, do not refrigerate it. After they get it, they should refrigerate it immediately. Hope that helps!
Unknown says
Can we use any other juice for soaking?
Smruti Ashar says
Yes you can use Apple or cranberry juice too.