Super Moist Fruit Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 🧈
• 1 cup packed brown sugar 🍂
• 4 large eggs 🥚🥚🥚🥚
• 1/4 cup molasses 🍯
• 1/4 cup orange juice 🍊
• 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 🥄
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 🥄
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 🌰
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 🌿
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 🌿
• 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, chopped apricots) 🍇🍑
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds) 🌰🥜
• 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional for soaking) 🍷

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Fruits

1. In a bowl, combine raisins, currants, chopped dates, and chopped apricots. If using brandy or rum, add it to the fruit and let them soak for at least an hour, or ideally overnight. This will enhance the flavor of the fruits and help keep them juicy during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch cake pan or a loaf pan, depending on your preference.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown sugar until creamy and light, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the molasses and orange juice. Blend until all the ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. This helps to eliminate any lumps and ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

1. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the soaked dried fruits and chopped nuts. Start and end with the flour mixture. This method avoids making the batter too heavy, which can affect the cake’s texture.
2. Once all ingredients are well combined, pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.

Step 5: Baking

1. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. At the halfway mark, you can check the cake. If the top starts to get too brown, cover it loosely with a sheet of aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 6: Cooling and Decorating

1. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. You can leave it plain or frost it with cream cheese frosting, or simply dust it with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.

Serving Suggestions:

• This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply served with a fruit coulis.
• For an extra indulgent touch, consider serving it with fresh seasonal fruits or fruit compote.

Storage Tips:

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• It also freezes very well. You can slice it and wrap it in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Possible Variations:

• For a healthier version, you can replace some of the butter with applesauce or plain yogurt.
• Try adding additional spices like ground ginger or citrus zest for a unique flavor.
• If you enjoy fresh fruits, feel free to incorporate diced apples, pears, or cherries for added taste and moisture.

Conclusion

The Super Moist Fruit Cake is not only a delight to the taste buds, but it is also easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s for a festive dessert, a friendly gathering, or just a treat for yourself, this recipe will surely become a classic in your kitchen. Enjoy!