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Soft Fruit Cake

Soft Fruit Cake recipe image
This traditional soft fruit cake is a delightful blend of sweet dried apricots, apples, figs, and prunes, all plumped in sugar syrup before being folded into a rich batter. The addition of peanut butter and shortening creates a uniquely moist texture that keeps the cake tender for weeks. Spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it offers warm, comforting flavors perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat. The slow baking process ensures a deep, caramelized flavor throughout. Serve it plain with tea or drizzle with a simple glaze for an elegant dessert.
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6
Calories: 50.4
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
This traditional soft fruit cake is a delightful blend of sweet dried apricots, apples, figs, and prunes, all plumped in sugar syrup before being folded into a rich batter. The addition of peanut butter and shortening creates a uniquely moist texture that keeps the cake tender for weeks. Spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it offers warm, comforting flavors perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat. The slow baking process ensures a deep, caramelized flavor throughout. Serve it plain with tea or drizzle with a simple glaze for an elegant dessert.
Ingredients
  • 2/3 cup Dried apricots
  • 1 cup Dried apples
  • 1 cup Cooked, slightly sweetened
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 325&# 194;°F (165ðC). Line a large tube pan with oiled parchment paper.
  2. 2
    Wash apricots and cut into small pieces. In a small saucepan, combine with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  3. 3
    Remove cores from dried apples and cut into small pieces. In a separate saucepan, combine with 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  4. 4
    Pit prunes and cut into small pieces. Remove stems from figs and cut into small pieces. In a saucepan, combine prunes, figs, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  5. 5
    Wash seedless raisins in hot water and drain well.
  6. 6
    In a large bowl, cream shortening and 1 3/4 cups sugar until light and fluffy.
  7. 7
    Add peanut butter and mix thoroughly until combined.
  8. 8
    Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  9. 9
    Stir in milk until smooth.
  10. 10
    In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  11. 11
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending carefully until just combined.
  12. 12
    Fold in the cooled prepared apricots, apples, prunes, figs, raisins, and shredded orange peel. Stir in vanilla extract.
  13. 13
    Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan.
  14. 14
    Bake at 325ðF (163ðC) for 1 hour.
  15. 15
    Reduce oven temperature to 250ðF (121ðC) and continue baking for 30 minutes more, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  16. 16
    Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 50.4kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.3g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 1.0mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 12.8g5%
Dietary Fiber 2.2g9%
Sugars 9.7g
Protein 0.7g2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: fruit cake, dried fruit, apricots, figs, prunes, peanut butter, baking, holiday dessert, moist cake, spiced cake, traditional, homemade, apricot, apple, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/soft-fruit-cake/