Fruit cake with raisins

 A Fruit Cake with Raisins is a rich, flavorful dessert, often enjoyed during the holidays or special occasions. It’s packed with dried fruits like raisins, currants, and dates, and often made with a blend of spices for that cozy, festive flavor. Here's a simple recipe for a classic Fruit Cake with Raisins:

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🍇 Fruit Cake with Raisins Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Fruit Mixture:

• 1 cup raisins

• 1/2 cup dried apricots (chopped)

• 1/2 cup dried dates (chopped)

• 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger (optional)

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

• 1/2 cup dark rum or orange juice (for soaking the fruits)

• 1/4 cup apple juice (or additional rum/orange juice if desired)

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk)

• 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)

For Decoration (optional):

• Whole raisins, glazed cherries, or candied fruits for topping (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Soak the Dried Fruits:

• In a medium bowl, combine the raisins, apricots, dates, candied ginger (if using), and walnuts (if using).

• Pour the dark rum (or orange juice) and apple juice over the fruit mixture. Stir to coat, cover, and let it soak for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This softens the fruit and infuses it with flavor.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan with parchment paper.

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).

• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and orange zest (if using).

3. Combine the Mixtures:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the buttermilk (or regular milk). Start and end with the dry ingredients.

• Fold in the soaked fruit mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.

4. Bake the Cake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

• If desired, decorate the top with whole raisins, glazed cherries, or candied fruit.

• Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the cake is golden brown.

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Serve:

• Slice and serve once completely cooled. The fruit cake can be stored in an airtight container for several days to allow the flavors to mature.

• For added richness, drizzle with a bit of rum or brandy (optional) for an extra festive touch!

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🔄 Variations:

• Add More Fruits: Feel free to add other dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or prunes.

• Vegan Option: Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and use plant-based milk and a flax egg as a replacement.

• Spiced Rum: Use spiced rum instead of regular rum for an extra kick of flavor.

• Soaked Fruit: The longer you soak the fruit, the more intense the flavor, so soaking overnight is ideal.

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This Fruit Cake with Raisins is deliciously moist, fragrant with spices, and full of rich dried fruit flavors. It's the perfect cake to serve during the holidays or for any special occasion.