Simple Fruit Cake

Simple Fruit Cake Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Simple Fruit Cake is a delicious and easy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the sweetness of yellow cake mix with the freshness of seasonal fruits, creating a delightful treat that everyone will love.

History

Fruit cakes have been enjoyed for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. This simple fruit cake recipe is a modern twist on the classic fruit cake, using a cake mix for convenience and fresh fruit for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

1 package of yellow cake mix with pudding in the mix
4 cups of fresh fruit
1 cup of sugar
1 pt (473 ml) of whipping cream or half-and-half

How to prepare

Spray the cake pan with cooking spray.
Add the dry cake mix to the pan.
Add the fruit.
Add the sugar.
Pour the cream over everything.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour.

Variations

Try using different flavors of cake mix, such as lemon or spice, for a unique twist.
Add nuts or coconut for extra texture and flavor.
Experiment with different combinations of fruits for a personalized touch.

Notes

I use my frozen apples. They work great!

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to spray the cake pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

- Use a variety of fruits for a colorful and flavorful cake.

- Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit used.

- Check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center - if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fruit cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

- Substitute coconut milk for the half-and-half for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

This fruit cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Top the fruit cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the fruit cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This fruit cake is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, thanks to the fresh fruit used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten and dairy.

Summary

Simple Fruit Cake is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good amount of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Simple Fruit Cake is a delicious and easy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, this fruit cake is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Simple Fruit Cake. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Ruth's house for a family gathering. Aunt Ruth was always known for her delicious baked goods, and this fruit cake was no exception.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the sweet aroma of baking spices and fruity goodness. Aunt Ruth was busy mixing together the ingredients for the cake, and I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe.

She smiled and handed me a worn, stained index card with the instructions written in her neat cursive handwriting. I read through the list of ingredients - flour, sugar, eggs, butter, dried fruit, and a hint of rum - and I knew I had to try making it myself.

Aunt Ruth patiently walked me through the steps, showing me how to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, and then gently fold in the flour and eggs. She added the dried fruit and a splash of rum, explaining that the alcohol would help preserve the cake and give it a rich, boozy flavor.

As the cake baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with its mouthwatering scent, Aunt Ruth shared with me the story of how she learned to make this fruit cake. She told me that the recipe had been passed down from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago.

According to Aunt Ruth, the secret to a perfect fruit cake was in the quality of the ingredients and the love and care put into making it. She emphasized the importance of using the best dried fruit available, soaking it in rum or brandy for added flavor, and allowing the cake to mature for at least a week before serving.

After the cake had cooled, Aunt Ruth cut into it, revealing a dense, moist crumb studded with plump pieces of fruit. The flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves mingled with the sweetness of the dried fruit and the subtle warmth of the rum, creating a truly unforgettable taste sensation.

I took a bite of the fruit cake, savoring the rich, complex flavors and the tender texture. It was unlike any dessert I had ever tasted, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the years, I have made Aunt Ruth's Simple Fruit Cake countless times, each batch turning out just as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this beloved dessert to a new generation.

Every time I bake this fruit cake, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Aunt Ruth's kitchen, learning the secrets of a recipe that has been cherished in our family for generations. And as I take a bite of that rich, boozy cake, I am filled with gratitude for the love and wisdom that has been passed down to me through the art of baking.