The Festive Fruit and Nut Cake is a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavors, perfect for the holiday season. Its rich texture, combined with the natural sweetness of dried fruits and the crunch of nuts, makes it a heartwarming treat for any festive gathering.
This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the holiday spirit. Each bite takes you on a journey through a winter wonderland of flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace or sharing it with loved ones at a holiday feast, this cake is sure to spread joy and warmth.
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 100g sugar
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- Some vanilla
- 90g butter
- 180g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Raisins
- Walnuts
- Dried apricots
- Dates
- Dried apricots (additional for garnish)
- Baking dish (24cm)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 170°C.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, a pinch of salt, and sugar until well combined.
- Add sour cream and vanilla to the mixture and continue to whisk.
- Melt the butter and incorporate it into the mixture.
- Gradually add flour and baking powder, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
- Fold in raisins, walnuts, chopped dried apricots, and dates into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a 24cm baking dish.
- Optionally, garnish the top with additional dried apricots.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes Kcal: Approx. 350 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
Festive Fruit and Nut Cake: A Holiday Delight
Why Choose This Cake for the Holidays? The Festive Fruit and Nut Cake is an exceptional choice for the holiday season. Its rich blend of sweet dried fruits and crunchy nuts perfectly captures the festive spirit. Moreover, the warm, comforting flavors make it an ideal centerpiece for cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Making the Cake in Advance Can this cake be prepared ahead of time? Absolutely! Preparing the cake a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Importantly, ensure it’s stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Adapting the Recipe
Gluten-Free Options Is a gluten-free version possible? Yes, you can easily adapt this cake to be gluten-free by substituting the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Also, make sure that the baking powder used is gluten-free.
Customizing with Nuts and Fruits Can you use different nuts or dried fruits? Definitely! The recipe is quite versatile. You can experiment with various nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts and dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or figs to create a unique twist.
Storing and Serving
Storing Leftover Cake How should you store the leftover cake? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is also an option.
Suitability for Children Is this cake child-friendly? Yes, it is suitable for children. However, if serving to young kids, consider chopping the nuts finely to avoid any choking hazards.
Adding a Festive Touch with Alcohol Can you add alcohol for an extra festive touch? Indeed, you can add a splash of rum, brandy, or your favorite liqueur to the batter. This addition enhances the festive flavors, but be mindful of the quantity to ensure it complements the other ingredients.