Fruit Cake

Delicious candied fruit cake recipe

Sunday is a perfect day to indulge in a sweet dessert that will sweeten your day and bring a touch of joy to your family. Today, I invite you to prepare a cake with candied fruits, a moist, aromatic, and flavorful dessert, perfect to be enjoyed with loved ones, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee. This recipe stands out for its combination of textures and flavors, being easy to make even for those who do not have much experience in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons hot water
- Zest of one lemon
- 50 ml rum (you can also use rum essence if you prefer)
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 60 g flour
- 40 g starch
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 50 g butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- A handful of candied fruits (you can use apricots, prunes, cherries, etc., chopped)

Useful

- A cake pan or a tray, greased with butter or lined with baking paper
- A mixer or a whisk to beat the egg whites and eggs
- A spatula to incorporate the ingredients

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients at room temperature. This will help in a more uniform mixing of the composition. If the candied fruits are large, cut them into smaller pieces. Try to choose fruits of different colors for a pleasant visual appearance.

Step 2: Mixing the eggs
In a large bowl, add the 3 egg yolks along with a pinch of salt, powdered sugar, and hot water. Using a mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes creamy and light in color. This is when the sugar will dissolve completely, giving an airy consistency.

Step 3: Adding flavors
Incorporate the lemon zest and lemon juice into the egg mixture. These citrus flavors will add freshness to your cake, giving it a special touch.

Step 4: Combining the dry ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour, starch, and baking powder. These dry ingredients are key to achieving a fluffy and light cake. Mix them well, then gradually incorporate them into the egg mixture, alternating with the melted butter. Ensure the mixture is homogeneous.

Step 5: Preparing the egg whites
In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a teaspoon of lemon juice until they form a foam. This step is crucial to give the cake an airy texture. Try not to beat them too hard, just until soft peaks form.

Step 6: Combining the batter
Carefully fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula, so you do not lose the air in the composition. Then, divide the batter into two parts: in the first part, add the cocoa and mix well.

Step 7: Adding the candied fruits
In the other half of the batter, add the candied fruits and rum. Gently mix to evenly distribute the fruits in the batter.

Step 8: Baking the cake
In the prepared pan, pour half of the cocoa batter, then add the candied fruit batter on top. Using a fork, marble the batter, creating an interesting effect. Bake the cake in the preheated oven at 180°C for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cooling and serving
After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look and cut into slices. You can serve the cake alongside a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for an extra flavor boost.

Useful tips

- Choosing candied fruits: Use seasonal fruits or those you like the most. You can experiment with different combinations to find the perfect mix for your taste.
- Gluten-free version: If you want to make this cake gluten-free, replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, ensuring you follow the correct proportions.
- Enhancing flavors: You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to intensify the flavors.

Nutritional information

Each serving of cake contains approximately 250 calories, making it a moderate sweet choice for a snack. It provides a good dose of carbohydrates and a small amount of protein, while the candied fruits also bring a range of vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the rum with something else?
Of course! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can use water or fruit juice, such as orange juice.

2. What else can I add to the batter?
You can add chopped nuts or hazelnuts for an extra texture and taste. Also, chopped chocolate is an excellent choice for chocolate lovers.

3. How do I store the cake?
This cake stores well at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy its fluffy texture.

Serving and combinations

This cake with candied fruits is perfect to be served at a special occasion, at a family gathering, or simply as a delicious weekend dessert. You can pair it with refreshing lemonade, a fragrant fruit tea, or a black coffee, which will pleasantly contrast with the sweetness of the cake.

So, I wish you great success in preparing this delicious cake! Every bite will bring smiles and joy, and its aroma will fill the house with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 3 tablespoons hot water, grated lemon peel, 50ml rum, 100g powdered sugar, 60g flour, 40g starch, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 50g butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, a handful of candied fruits.

 Tags:  candied fruit cake