Vegan fruitcake
Post cake with candied fruits - a simple and flavorful delight
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Discover the pleasure of a post cake that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also brings a touch of nostalgia in every slice. This candied fruit cake recipe is perfect for moments when you have guests or for family gatherings. It's simple yet full of flavor and can easily be adapted to the ingredients you have on hand.
A bit of history
Post cakes are a tradition in many cultures, symbolizing not only abstaining from animal products but also the creativity of cooking. In times of restrictions, people learned to combine simple ingredients to create delicious desserts that enriched festive meals. So, enjoy this recipe not just as a simple dessert but as a part of a rich culinary tradition.
Ingredients
- 500 g sugar
- 500 ml water
- 2 packets baking powder
- 1 packet cinnamon powder
- 2 cloves (optional, for extra flavor)
- Flour as needed (approximately 500 g)
- Candied fruits (oranges, orange peel, or other candied fruits of your choice)
- 100 g raisins
Preparing the cake
Step 1: Caramelizing the sugar
Start by pouring the sugar into a medium-sized pot and place it over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns amber in color. This step is crucial as caramelization not only enhances the flavor but also gives the cake a rich texture.
Tip: Use a silicone spatula to avoid scratching the pot!
Step 2: Making the syrup
Once the sugar has reached the desired shade, carefully add the water. Be cautious, as the mixture will be hot and produce steam! Continue stirring until all the caramelized sugar completely dissolves. If you want a more aromatic cake, add the two whole cloves at this point.
Step 3: Cooling the syrup
After the sugar has completely melted, remove the pot from heat and let the syrup cool slightly. This will allow the ingredients to combine better later.
Step 4: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, extinguish the baking powder with a little vinegar (about 1-2 tablespoons). Add the cooled sugar syrup and mix well. At this point, also add the cinnamon powder and stir until homogeneous.
Step 5: Incorporating the flour
Gradually add the flour, stirring continuously. The flour should be enough to obtain a dough that is thicker than a loaf batter but not so thick that it becomes hard to mix. It is important to achieve a fine and homogeneous texture.
Step 6: Adding the candied fruits
Once the dough is ready, add the finely chopped candied fruits and raisins. Gently mix to distribute them evenly in the dough.
Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 160°C. Prepare a baking tray by greasing it with oil and lining it with flour or baking paper. Pour the mixture into the tray, and after the first 10 minutes of baking, add the remaining candied fruits, cut into pieces, on top for a pleasant presentation.
Bake the cake for about 35 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready).
Step 8: Cooling and serving
After baking, let the cake cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into squares or triangles and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee.
Serving suggestions
This cake is perfect to be served as is or with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey (if it's not a strict fasting recipe). You can also combine it with vanilla ice cream or chocolate sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Variations and useful tips
1. Try replacing the candied fruits with nuts, almonds, or seeds for a crunchy texture.
2. If you want a more intense flavor, add a little vanilla or almond extract to the dough.
3. The cake keeps well sealed in an airtight container and can be consumed even after a few days, considering it is a fasting cake.
Nutritional information
Each serving (approximately 100 g) contains about 250 calories, with a high carbohydrate content due to sugar and flour. It is a good source of energy, but moderate consumption is recommended, especially for those on a calorie-controlled diet.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will add a deeper flavor and a darker color to the cake.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar by up to 100 g and add a bit more fruit to compensate.
3. Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to put on your apron and bring this delicious cake to life! Don’t forget to experiment with the ingredients and find the version that delights you the most. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 500 g sugar, 500 ml water, 2 packets of baking powder, 1 packet of cinnamon powder, 2 cloves, flour as needed for a dough slightly thicker than pound cake (500g), candied orange peel, candied fruits, raisins.
