Crown with candied fruits

The candied fruit crown is a refined dessert, perfect for special occasions or to bring a touch of joy to ordinary days. This fruit cake stands out with its rich combination of flavors and textures, offering a unique culinary experience. Moreover, it is a simple recipe that can be easily prepared, even by those with little kitchen experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 500 g flour
- 175 g butter (at room temperature)
- 175 g powdered sugar
- 250 g cream cheese (mascarpone or ricotta type)
- 3 eggs
- 125 ml sweet milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons brandy
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- 50 g walnuts (coarsely chopped)
- 50 g blonde raisins
- 50 g brown raisins
- 50 g colored Turkish delight (cut into cubes)
- 150 g dried and candied fruits (orange peel, cranberry, papaya, banana, dates, mango)
- A pinch of ginger powder

Preparation instructions:

1. Start by preparing all the ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft so it mixes easily with the powdered sugar. It is ideal to take the butter out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting.

2. In a large bowl, cream the butter with the powdered sugar using a mixer or spatula until the mixture becomes a light and fluffy foam. This will contribute to the airy texture of the cake.

3. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. This step is essential to achieve a smooth and well-bound dough.

4. Incorporate the lemon and orange zest, brandy, and cream cheese. Mix until all the ingredients are completely integrated and you obtain a smooth composition.

5. Sift the flour together with the baking powder and add them to the prepared mixture. Mix gently to avoid activating the gluten in the flour.

6. Finally, add the walnuts, raisins, Turkish delight, and candied fruits. A useful tip is to lightly toss the fruits in flour before adding them to the dough. This trick helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.

7. Let the dough rest for 45 minutes in a warm place, covered with a damp towel. This step is important to allow the ingredients to blend and develop flavors.

8. After the dough has rested, roll it out on a floured surface to form a sheet about 1 cm thick. Carefully roll the dough and place it in a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

9. Brush the surface of the dough with a beaten egg yolk to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

10. Bake the crown for about 1 hour, or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch. Check the cake with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it's ready.

11. After the cake has cooled, you can dust it with vanilla sugar for an elegant appearance and additional aroma. Slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea.

Possible variations: you can experiment with different types of dried fruits or add spices like cinnamon for an extra flavor boost. This recipe can be customized according to your preferences, turning each attempt into a new culinary experience.

The candied fruit crown is not only a delicious dessert but also an excellent way to bring a touch of tradition and joy to every meal. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 500 g flour, 175 g butter, 175 g powdered sugar, 250 g cream cheese, 3 eggs, 125 ml sweet milk, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 3 tablespoons cognac, lemon and orange zest, 50 g walnuts, 50 g blonde raisins, 50 g brown raisins, 50 g colored Turkish delight, 150 g dried and candied fruits (orange peel, cranberries, papaya, banana, dates, mango), a pinch of ginger powder.

 Tags:  nut cake fruit cake cake recipes