Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring

Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring Recipe - Delicious and Easy-to-Make

Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring is a delicious and sweet treat that is perfect for breakfast or as a dessert. This recipe combines the flavors of dried fruit, nuts, and a hint of cardamom in a soft and fluffy dough that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring has its origins in traditional European baking. It is a popular pastry that is often enjoyed during the holiday season or special occasions. The combination of fruit, nuts, and spices in a sweet dough has been a favorite for generations.

Ingredients

0.5 tbsp yeast
0.5 cup warm water
3 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cardamom
0.33 cup butter
0.33 cup apple juice concentrate
2 eggs
0.5 cup apricot fruit spread
6 oz (170 g) dried fruit
0.5 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp cold water
1 cup flour
1 egg

How to prepare

Chop the dried fruit.
Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it stand for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl of an electric mixer, combine the flour, salt, and cardamom.
While mixing on low speed with a dough hook, gradually blend in the yeast mixture, butter, apple juice concentrate, and eggs.
Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed.
Beat in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
Continue to beat until the dough is smooth and elastic. The dough can also be kneaded by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes or mixed in a bread maker.
Let the dough rest for 20 minutes.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 22"x12" rectangle.
Spread the fruit spread evenly down the center of the rectangle, leaving a 1" border along both long sides.
Sprinkle the fruit bits and nuts evenly over the fruit spread.
Starting at one long side, tightly roll the dough and pinch the seam to seal.
Place the rolled dough on a greased cookie sheet.
Bring the ends of the roll together to form a ring and pinch the ends together to seal, using water if necessary.
Using scissors or a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts about 1" apart into the top of the ring.
Let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. Note that the dough will not double in volume.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Beat together the egg and cold water, then brush it over the ring.
Bake for 25 – 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Immediately remove the ring from the pan.
Cool the ring on a wire rack.
Serve the ring warm or at room temperature.

Variations

You can use different types of dried fruit such as raisins, apricots, or cranberries.
Instead of pecans, you can use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the yeast mixture stand for 10 minutes to activate before adding it to the flour mixture.

- Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Be sure to spread the fruit spread evenly down the center of the dough to ensure a balanced flavor in every bite.

- Brushing the egg wash over the ring before baking will give it a shiny and golden brown finish.

Serving Suggestions

Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring is best served warm with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as a dessert after a meal.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough to a rectangle and spreading the filling evenly will ensure a balanced flavor in every bite.

- Making diagonal cuts on the top of the ring before baking will create a beautiful pattern when it is done.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.

- Instead of apple juice concentrate, you can use orange juice or pineapple juice for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and assemble the ring the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bake it in the morning for a fresh and delicious breakfast treat.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten, eggs, and nuts. It may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring is a delicious and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring is a delightful and sweet pastry that is perfect for any occasion. With a soft and fluffy dough filled with dried fruit, nuts, and a hint of cardamom, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, the kind of day where the sun seemed to dance on the leaves of the trees and the birds sang a cheerful tune. I was rummaging through my old recipe box, a treasure trove of culinary delights passed down from generation to generation.

As I sifted through the weathered index cards and fading magazine clippings, my eyes landed on a small piece of paper tucked away in the back of the box. It was a hand-written recipe for Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring, written in delicate script that I immediately recognized as my great-grandmother's.

I could hardly contain my excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions. The recipe called for a blend of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, all nestled in a tender, buttery cake. It sounded like a heavenly combination, one that I knew I had to try.

I remembered my great-grandmother fondly. She was a master in the kitchen, always whipping up delicious treats for her large family. As a child, I would watch in awe as she effortlessly mixed and kneaded, tasting and adjusting until everything was just right. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and comfort, a sanctuary where love was the main ingredient in every dish.

I had always admired her skill and creativity, and now I had the chance to honor her memory by recreating one of her beloved recipes. With a sense of determination, I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work.

The first step was to soak the dried fruits in warm water to plump them up and infuse them with moisture. As the fruits softened, their sweet aroma filled the kitchen, reminding me of lazy summer afternoons spent in my great-grandmother's garden.

Next, I toasted the nuts until they were fragrant and golden, releasing their rich, nutty flavor. I could almost hear my great-grandmother's voice guiding me through each step, her wise words echoing in my mind.

I creamed butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then added eggs one by one, beating them in until the mixture was smooth and velvety. In a separate bowl, I sifted together flour, baking powder, and a hint of cinnamon, creating a fragrant cloud that made my mouth water in anticipation.

Slowly, I folded the dry ingredients into the wet, alternating with sour cream to ensure a tender and moist cake. Finally, I gently stirred in the plumped fruits and toasted nuts, their colors and textures creating a beautiful mosaic of flavors.

I poured the batter into a greased bundt pan, the familiar shape bringing back memories of family gatherings and holiday feasts. As the cake baked, the scent of warm spices and sweet fruits filled the air, wrapping me in a cocoon of nostalgia and love.

When the timer finally chimed, I carefully removed the cake from the oven, the golden crust glistening in the soft light. I let it cool for a few minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack, the cake releasing with a satisfying thud.

I couldn't wait to taste the fruit of my labor, to savor the flavors of my great-grandmother's recipe and feel her presence in every bite. I sliced a piece of the cake and took a tentative bite, my taste buds exploding with delight.

The cake was everything I had hoped for and more - tender and moist, with bursts of sweetness from the fruits and a subtle crunch from the nuts. It was a symphony of flavors, each note harmonizing with the next to create a perfect melody of taste and texture.

As I savored the last crumb of the cake, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over me. I had not only recreated a beloved family recipe, but I had also forged a connection to my past, to the generations of women who had come before me and shared their love through food.

And as I sat in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents of cinnamon and sugar, I knew that this recipe for Fruit and Nut Coffee Cake Ring would become a cherished tradition in my own family, a legacy to pass down to future generations. My great-grandmother would have been proud.