Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup currants
- 1/2 cup chopped candied orange peel
- 1/2 cup chopped candied lemon peel
- 2 tablespoons whiskey
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Medium bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Small saucepan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and 1 cup of brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the raisins, currants, candied orange peel, and candied lemon peel.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the apples and 1/4 cup of brown sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture is thick and syrupy, about 10 minutes.
9. When the cake is done baking, remove from the oven and brush the top with the whiskey.
10. Top with the caramelized apples and serve.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 441 kcal
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 73 g
Protein: 5 g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- For the all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- For the butter, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter.
- For the buttermilk, you can use almond milk or soy milk.
- For the whiskey, you can use apple juice or orange juice.
Variations:
- You can add other dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots.
- You can add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
- You can add spices such as cardamom or allspice.
- You can use different types of apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to grease and flour the pan before adding the batter to ensure that the cake will come out easily.
- Use a light hand when stirring the batter to ensure that the cake will be light and fluffy.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the caramelized apples to ensure that the apples don’t sink into the cake.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Pairings:
Pair with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the cake is too dry, add a few tablespoons of buttermilk or milk to the batter before baking.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to use pasteurized eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella.
Food History:
Barmbrack is a traditional Irish fruitcake that is traditionally served at Halloween.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and spicy flavor with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a dessert or as an afternoon snack.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
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Occassion: N/A
Region: Irish
Taste: Sweet, Savory, Spiced, Caramelized, Fruity