The moment you take a bite of Iced Fruit Cake, your taste buds will embark on a delightful journey. Imagine the burst of juicy fruits, the rich warmth of spices, and that oh-so-sweet icing that practically sings to your soul. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a celebration in every slice.
I’ll never forget the first time I made this Iced Fruit Cake for a family gathering. The joy on everyone’s faces was priceless! It became our go-to treat during holidays and special occasions, filling our home with laughter, love, and sweet aromas that lingered long after the last crumb was gone.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Iced Fruit Cake is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy bakers
- Its blend of flavors offers a delightful surprise in every slice
- The vibrant colors make it visually stunning on any festive table
- Ideal for birthdays and holidays alike, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser!
I remember baking this cake for the first time and watching my friends’ eyes widen as they took their first bites—pure magic!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: A staple for any cake; ensure it’s fresh for the best texture.
Mixed Dried Fruits: Go for a colorful mix; it gives both flavor and visual appeal.
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter to ensure easy creaming with sugar.
Granulated Sugar: Sweeten things up nicely; you can adjust based on your preference.
Eggs: Choose large eggs; they help bind everything together beautifully.
Baking Powder: Essential for that perfect rise; check the expiration date!
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices bring cozy flavors that make every bite comforting.
Icing Sugar: For the sweet topping that finishes off this cake perfectly.
Lemon Zest: Adds brightness and freshness to balance out the sweetness.
Milk: Use whole milk for richness; it contributes to the moist texture of the cake.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Iced Fruit Cake
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round cake pan to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add Eggs Gradually: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding another. You’ll want a smooth mixture that looks like sunshine!
Sift Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step helps aerate the flour for a lighter cake.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add your dry ingredients into the creamed mixture while alternating with milk. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it or you’ll lose that lightness!
Add Dried Fruits: Gently fold in your mixed dried fruits along with lemon zest using a spatula. Make sure the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake To Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Enjoy that heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Icing Time: Once cooled completely, mix icing sugar with water or lemon juice until smooth. Spread generously over your cooled fruit cake—because who doesn’t love extra sweetness?
Now you have an Iced Fruit Cake that’s not only delicious but also boasts an impressive presentation! Enjoy it at birthday parties or festive gatherings where it will surely steal the show!
You Must Know
- Iced fruit cake is a delightful treat that combines rich flavors with a festive twist
- Perfect for parties, it brings together the sweetness of fruits and the moistness of cake
- Its vibrant colors make it a showstopper on any dessert table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your fruit and soaking it overnight to enhance flavors. Next, mix dry ingredients before folding them into the wet mix for even consistency. This ensures each slice bursts with flavor and moisture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap dried fruits for your favorites, like apricots or cranberries, or add nuts for a crunchy texture. A splash of orange juice can also brighten the overall flavor, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store your iced fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to maintain its moistness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your iced fruit cake experience, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
- This helps create a uniform batter that rises beautifully
- Additionally, always allow your cake to cool completely before icing for best results. </p>
- <p>Don’t forget to check your oven’s temperature accuracy; an oven thermometer can be a lifesaver!
Memories of baking this iced fruit cake remind me of family gatherings filled with laughter and joy. Friends often ask for seconds because they can’t resist its delightful taste.
FAQ
How long does iced fruit cake last?
Iced fruit cake can last up to one week when stored properly at room temperature.
Can I freeze iced fruit cake?
Yes, you can freeze iced fruit cake for up to three months; just wrap it well.
What fruits work best in an iced fruit cake?
Dried cherries, raisins, and apricots are excellent choices for adding flavor and texture.
Delightful Iced Fruit Cake Recipe
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Iced Fruit Cake, a delightful dessert that combines juicy dried fruits, warm spices, and a sweet icing. This festive treat is perfect for celebrations and gatherings, bringing joy to every occasion. With its stunning appearance and moist texture, this cake will surely impress your guests and become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, apricots)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup icing sugar (for topping)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Alternate adding the dry mixture with milk to the creamed butter mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the mixed dried fruits and lemon zest.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before icing with a mixture of icing sugar and water or lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, soak the dried fruits overnight in orange juice or rum. Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits for personalized variations. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
