Moist Fruit Cake

Moist Fruit Cake Recipe from Canada | Ingredients: Self Rising Flour, Brown Sugar, Margarine, Eggs, Marmalade, Fruit Juice, Dried Fruit

Region / culture: Canada | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Moist fruit cake is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This delicious cake is packed full of dried fruit and nuts, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. It is a popular choice for holiday gatherings and special events.

History

Fruit cake has been enjoyed for centuries, with variations of the recipe dating back to ancient Rome. The addition of dried fruits and nuts to cakes became popular in the Middle Ages, as these ingredients were readily available and added sweetness and texture to baked goods. Over time, fruit cake recipes have evolved to include a variety of fruits, nuts, and spices, creating the moist and delicious cake we know today.

Ingredients

6 oz (170 g) of self-rising flour
5 oz (142 g) of brown sugar
4 oz (113 g) of softened margarine
2 eggs
2 tbsp of marmalade, or other preserve
0.5 cup of fruit juice (preferably from stewed fruit)
large handful of dried fruit

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, beat the first 4 ingredients together using a mixer until well blended.
Add the marmalade and fruit juice to the mixture and continue beating until the batter becomes thick.
Stir in the fruit.
Pour the batter into a 2 lb (907 g) loaf tin.
Bake the loaf in an oven preheated to 300°F (149°C) for 1 hour.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
Substitute the dried fruit with candied fruit for a sweeter flavor.
Drizzle the cake with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a finishing touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soak the dried fruit in rum or brandy overnight for added flavor.

- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.

- Line the loaf tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

- Check the cake with a toothpick to ensure it is fully cooked before removing from the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the moist fruit cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Beat the ingredients together until well blended for a smooth batter.

- Bake the cake at a low temperature to ensure it cooks evenly and stays moist.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute the brown sugar with white sugar for a lighter taste.

- Swap the self-rising flour with all-purpose flour and baking powder for a similar result.

Make Ahead Tips

The moist fruit cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing for a festive touch. Serve the cake on a decorative platter or cake stand for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the moist fruit cake with a glass of sherry or port for a sophisticated dessert pairing. It also goes well with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cake in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 2% of daily value per serving

Iron: 6% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Eggs, Wheat

Summary

This moist fruit cake is a delicious treat that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a rich and indulgent dessert option. It also provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Moist fruit cake is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Packed full of dried fruit and nuts, this cake is rich in flavor and texture. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy this classic dessert with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning my way around the kitchen. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook, had passed down many of her recipes to me. But this one was different. It was a recipe for Moist Fruit Cake that she had acquired from a dear friend many years ago.

I remember the day my grandmother first showed me how to make it. The kitchen was filled with the warm, sweet aroma of spices and fruits as she gathered the ingredients together. She told me that this recipe was a special one, passed down through generations, and that it had always been a hit at family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

As we worked together, my grandmother shared stories of her friend who had given her the recipe. She talked about how they had spent countless hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques until they had perfected the Moist Fruit Cake. It was a labor of love, she said, and one that had brought them closer together as friends.

I watched as my grandmother carefully measured out the flour, sugar, and spices, mixing them together in a large bowl. She then added in the dried fruits – raisins, currants, and candied peel – along with a generous helping of chopped nuts. The kitchen was alive with the sound of her wooden spoon stirring the batter, the fruits glistening in the sticky sweetness.

Once everything was combined, my grandmother poured the batter into a greased and lined cake tin, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon. She told me that the key to a moist fruit cake was to bake it slowly, allowing the flavors to develop and meld together over time. So we placed the cake tin in the oven, a low heat ensuring that it would bake evenly and retain its moisture.

As the cake baked, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing scent of spices and fruits mingling together. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product, to see if it lived up to my grandmother's stories and the memories she had shared with me. When the timer finally chimed, we removed the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

The moment of truth arrived as my grandmother sliced into the cake, revealing a dense and fragrant interior studded with jewel-like pieces of fruit. I took a bite, savoring the rich flavors and moist texture that melted in my mouth. It was everything my grandmother had promised and more – a slice of history and tradition, passed down through the generations.

That Moist Fruit Cake became a staple in our household, a recipe that I would come to cherish and pass down to my own children and grandchildren. It was a reminder of the love and friendship that had gone into creating it, a taste of the past that would forever hold a special place in my heart.

And so, whenever I bake that Moist Fruit Cake, I am transported back to that day in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning the secrets of a recipe that has stood the test of time. It is a reminder of the joy and connection that food can bring, the memories that are woven into every bite. And for that, I am eternally grateful.