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Instructions
1. Prepare the Fruit Mix
- In a medium bowl, combine the dried fruits, candied peel, and cherries (if using). Pour in the rum, brandy, or orange juice and stir to coat the fruit. Cover and let it soak for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch loaf pan or an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
3. Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
4. Sift the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Add the Fruit and Nuts
- Fold the soaked fruit mixture and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter. Make sure the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Cake
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 75-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.
7. Glaze the Cake (Optional)
- While the cake is still warm, heat the apricot jam with water in a small saucepan until melted. Brush the warm glaze over the top of the cake for a shiny finish.
8. Cool and Store
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. For the best flavor, wrap the cooled fruit cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let it sit for a few days before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Tips for the Perfect Fruit Cake
- Soaking the Fruit: The longer you soak the dried fruits, the more flavorful the cake will be. You can even soak the fruit for up to a week.
- Alcohol-Free Version: Substitute the rum or brandy with apple juice or another non-alcoholic liquid for a kid-friendly version.
- Aging the Cake: Some people like to age their fruit cakes for a few weeks, occasionally brushing them with more rum or brandy to keep them moist and enhance the flavor.
Perfect Pairings
- Cheese: Enjoy a slice with a piece of aged cheddar or cream cheese for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Tea or Coffee: A cup of tea or coffee is the perfect companion to a rich slice of fruit cake.
- Ice Cream: Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
Conclusion
Classic Fruit Cake is more than just a traditional holiday dessert; it’s a symbol of warmth and celebration. With its rich blend of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this recipe offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re new to fruit cake or rekindling old memories, this recipe ensures you get the perfect slice every time. It’s a treat that keeps giving, getting even better as it ages.