Fruit Cake Delight

Fruit Cake Delight Recipe from Haiti | Ingredients: Flour, Eggs, Almonds, Pineapple, Mango, Currants, and more

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 12

Introduction

Fruit Cake Delight is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This rich and flavorful cake is packed with a variety of fruits, nuts, and spices that create a delicious and indulgent treat.

History

Fruit cakes have been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the recipe dating back to ancient Rome. Originally, fruit cakes were made with preserved fruits and nuts, making them a popular choice for special occasions and holidays.

Ingredients

3 cups sifted flour
6 beaten eggs
1 tsp baking powder
0.5 cup orange juice
0.25 tsp salt (if using unsalted butter)
2 cups blanched ground almonds
1.5 tsp powdered cinnamon
1.5 cups cashew nuts
0.5 tsp powdered cloves
0.5 cup peanuts
1 tsp powdered nutmeg
0.5 cup candied pineapple
1 cup butter
0.5 cup candied orange
0.5 cup mango chutney
1 box currants or raisins

How to prepare

Thoroughly mix flour, baking powder, salt, and spices. Sift the mixture three times.
Beat the butter until smooth and light. Gradually add in the sugar while continuing to beat.
Add the eggs, juice, nuts, chutney, and candied fruit to the mixture while still beating.
Finally, add the flour to the mixture and beat slowly.
Pour the mixture into buttered loaf pans lined with buttered paper.
Bake in a slow oven at 300°F (149°C) for approximately two hours.
For smaller molds, bake for about 25 minutes.
Remove the paper and allow the loaf to cool on a rack.

Variations

Add dried fruits such as apricots or cranberries for a different flavor profile.
Substitute the nuts with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sift the flour multiple times to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Be sure to beat the butter until smooth and light to create a creamy base for the cake.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to ensure it holds its shape.

Serving Suggestions

Fruit Cake Delight is best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

- Substitute the orange juice with apple juice for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Fruit Cake Delight can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Fruit Cake Delight on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Fruit Cake Delight pairs well with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of hot cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Fruit Cake Delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fruit Cake Delight contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fruit Cake Delight contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fruit Cake Delight contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Fruit Cake Delight contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Fruit Cake Delight is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium.

Alergens

Fruit Cake Delight contains nuts and eggs.

Summary

Fruit Cake Delight is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Fruit Cake Delight is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with fruits, nuts, and spices, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Fruit Cake Delight. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the ways of the kitchen from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always whipping up delicious meals and treats for our family to enjoy.

One day, while rummaging through her old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded index card with the words "Fruit Cake Delight" scrawled on it in her elegant handwriting. I was intrigued. Fruit cake was always a holiday staple in our household, but this particular recipe seemed different somehow. It called for a unique combination of fruits and nuts, as well as a special blend of spices that I had never seen before.

Excited to try something new, I asked my grandmother about the recipe. She smiled knowingly and told me that it was a family secret, passed down through generations. She explained that the recipe had come from a dear friend of hers many years ago, a woman known for her extravagant parties and delicious desserts. My grandmother had tweaked the recipe over the years, adding her own special touch to make it truly unique.

With my grandmother's guidance, I set out to make the Fruit Cake Delight for the first time. The process was long and laborious, with soaking the fruits in rum and brandy, chopping nuts, and mixing the batter all taking careful precision. But as the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the kitchen, I knew it would be worth it.

The cake baked to a golden perfection, the fruits glistening like jewels amidst the crumbly cake. I couldn't wait to taste it. When I finally took a bite, I was transported to a world of rich flavors and textures. The sweetness of the dried fruits, the crunch of the nuts, and the warmth of the spices all came together in perfect harmony.

From that moment on, Fruit Cake Delight became a staple in our family's holiday celebrations. Every year, I would make the cake for Christmas, Easter, and any other special occasion that called for a decadent dessert. My friends and neighbors would rave about it, begging me for the recipe. But I always kept it close to my heart, knowing that it was a precious gift from my grandmother.

As the years went by, I continued to make Fruit Cake Delight for my own children and grandchildren, passing on the tradition of its creation to the next generation. Each time I baked the cake, I would think of my grandmother and the bond we shared over our love of cooking and creating delicious meals.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that brought me so much joy and connection. Fruit Cake Delight may just be a simple dessert to some, but to me, it is a reminder of the love and memories that have been woven into every bite. And for that, I am truly grateful.