Dry Fruit Cake is a delicious, rich dessert that combines a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and spices to create a festive and flavorful treat. Perfect for special occasions like Christmas or Diwali, this cake is both a feast for the taste buds and a treat for the eyes. The sweetness of dried fruits like raisins, apricots, and dates complements the rich, nutty flavors of cashews, almonds, and walnuts. This cake also uses minimal flour and can be made without eggs, making it a versatile option for many dietary needs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making a scrumptious dry fruit cake from scratch, with tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time.
What is Dry Fruit Cake?
Dry Fruit Cake is a popular cake in many parts of the world, made by mixing a variety of dried fruits and nuts into the batter. These cakes are often enjoyed during the festive season, especially at Christmas, where they are served as a decadent dessert. The rich texture comes from the combination of dried fruits like raisins, figs, and apricots, along with nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts.
The cake is generally spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom, giving it a warm and comforting flavor. Traditionally, dry fruit cakes are made in advance and aged for a few days or weeks to enhance the flavors.
Ingredients for Dry Fruit Cake
To make the perfect dry fruit cake, gather the following ingredients:
- Mixed dried fruits: 1 ½ cups (raisins, dates, apricots, figs, etc.)
- Nuts: 1 cup (cashews, almonds, walnuts)
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Baking powder: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Cinnamon powder: 1 teaspoon
- Nutmeg powder: ½ teaspoon
- Cardamom powder: ½ teaspoon
- Brown sugar: ¾ cup
- Butter: ½ cup (or substitute with oil for a vegan version)
- Eggs: 2 (or use flax eggs for a vegan version)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Orange juice: ¼ cup
- Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon
- Rum or fruit juice: 2 tablespoons (optional, for soaking fruits)
- A pinch of salt
How to Make Dry Fruit Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a dry fruit cake requires some patience, especially when it comes to soaking the fruits and ensuring the cake is moist and flavorful. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Soak the Dry Fruits
- The first step is to soak your dried fruits for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight) in rum, fruit juice, or even water. This helps the fruits rehydrate and absorb the flavors. If you want a more intense flavor, soak them in rum or fruit juice.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Tin
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a cake tin with parchment paper, ensuring the paper comes up the sides of the pan for easy removal.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. If you’re using oil, whisk the oil and sugar until combined.
- Add the eggs (or flax eggs) one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and orange juice.
Step 5: Add the Soaked Fruits and Nuts
- Fold in the soaked fruits and chopped nuts into the wet mixture. Make sure everything is evenly combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until fully combined. You should have a thick batter. If the batter is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of fruit juice or water.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and spread it evenly.
- Bake for about 45-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Age the Cake (Optional)
- For a deeper flavor, wrap the cake in parchment paper and foil, and store it in an airtight container. Let it age for 2-3 days before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify.
Tips for Making the Perfect Dry Fruit Cake
- Soak the Fruits Well: Soaking the dried fruits is a key step to ensure they’re moist and plump. The longer they soak, the more flavorful they’ll be.
- Use Good Quality Dried Fruits and Nuts: The quality of dried fruits and nuts will make a huge difference in the taste of the cake. Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently to prevent the cake from becoming dense.
- Bake at Low Temperature: Bake the cake at a low temperature to ensure even cooking and to avoid overbaking.
How to Store Dry Fruit Cake
Dry fruit cake can be stored for up to two weeks at room temperature if wrapped properly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container. If you plan to keep it for a longer time, you can refrigerate it for up to a month.
Serving Suggestions for Dry Fruit Cake
Dry fruit cake can be served in a variety of ways:
- As a Dessert: Serve it on its own with a cup of tea or coffee.
- With Ice Cream: A slice of warm dry fruit cake paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert.
- With Custard: Pour warm custard over a slice of dry fruit cake for a comforting treat.
Health Benefits of Dry Fruit Cake
While this cake is indulgent, it does come with some health benefits:
- Dried Fruits: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, dried fruits like raisins and apricots support digestive health and boost immunity.
- Nuts: Nuts like almonds and cashews are packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) as a substitute for regular eggs.
If stored properly, the cake can last up to 2 weeks at room temperature. You can refrigerate it for up to a month.
Absolutely! In fact, letting it age for a few days enhances the flavor.
Dry fruit cake is a festive treat that never goes out of style. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe brings together rich dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and warm spices to create a cake that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Whether you serve it for Christmas, Diwali, or any special celebration, this cake will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
If you love festive cakes, don’t forget to check out our Bassoon Cake Recipe and Chocolate Cake Recipe for more indulgent options.
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