Fruit and coconut cake

Simple Fruit Cake Recipe from Compote or Candied Fruits

The sweet indulgence we propose today is a light and quick cake, ideal for moments when we want to enjoy a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe combines the sweetness of fruits from compote and the unmistakable aroma of candied fruits, giving them a place of honor in every slice of cake.

The history of fruit cakes is fascinating. Over time, each culture has contributed to this delicacy, using available ingredients and traditional techniques. Today, I invite you to bring a part of this tradition into your own kitchen with a simple and quick recipe that will delight both family and friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 300 g butter (at room temperature)
- 250 g sugar
- 4 eggs
- 425 g flour
- 50 g coconut
- 1 packet baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- a can of pineapple compote (chunks)
- candied fruits (cranberries, raisins, or other favorites)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by draining the fruits from the compote. Make sure to cut them into smaller pieces for perfect integration into the mixture. If using candied fruits, you can soak them in a little warm water for 10 minutes to rehydrate them, making them less tough and more pleasant to taste.

2. Creating the mixture: In a large bowl, add the softened butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to combine them at medium speed until you achieve a fluffy and smooth cream. It is essential that the butter is at room temperature for easy incorporation.

3. Adding the eggs: Continue mixing and add the four eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. When the eggs are fully incorporated, the sugar should be almost dissolved.

4. Including the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and coconut. This combination will not only add flavor but will also help the cake rise evenly. Start adding the dry ingredient mixture to the butter and egg mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid lumps.

5. Incorporating the fruits: Finally, add the fruits from the compote and the candied ones. Ensure they are evenly distributed in the mixture so that each slice will have the delicious taste of the fruits.

6. Baking the cake: Prepare a baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm) lined with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the tray and level the surface with a spatula. Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and let it bake for 50-60 minutes. You may need to do the toothpick test to check if it is baked.

7. Preparing the syrup: While the cake is baking, you can prepare a simple syrup. Mix the syrup from the fruits with a few tablespoons of powdered sugar to create a fine glaze that will give the cake a shiny appearance.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is ready, let it cool completely in the tray. Afterward, pour the syrup over the cake, allowing it to absorb. Cut the cake into squares and serve with a smile!

Useful tips:
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla or almond essence to the mixture.
- This cake keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be enjoyed both cold and at room temperature.
- You can experiment with different combinations of fruits, such as peaches or cherries, to give it a personalized touch.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake provides a good source of energy due to the carbohydrates from sugar and flour, while the coconut adds a dose of healthy fats. The fruits contribute vitamins, minerals, and essential antioxidants for the body's health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of fruits?
Of course! This recipe is very versatile. You can use any kind of fruits from compote or candied fruits, depending on your preferences.
2. What can I do if I don’t have coconut?
If you don’t have coconut, you can omit it or replace it with ground almonds for a different taste.
3. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 50 g and use more tart fruits to balance the sweetness.

Serving:
This cake is perfect alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. It can be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast or as a dessert after a meal, offering an explosion of flavors and textures.

Enjoy this simple yet extremely delicious recipe! With a little patience and love, you will achieve a cake that brings joy to any meal. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 300 g butter, 250 g sugar, 4 eggs, 425 g flour, 50 g coconut, a packet of baking powder, a pinch of salt, a can of pineapple chunks, candied fruits, cranberries, raisins

 Tags:  fruit and coconut cake