Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, cranberries, cherries, etc.)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9 inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9 inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients alternately with the milk. Fold in the dried fruit and nuts.
5. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Serving Size: 8-10
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 456 kcal
Fat: 21 g
Carbohydrates: 59 g
Protein: 8 g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: margarine, coconut oil, or vegetable oil
- White sugar: brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup
- Milk: almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk
- Dried fruit: any combination of dried fruit (apricots, dates, figs, etc.)
- Walnuts: pecans, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts
- Almonds: cashews, pistachios, or sunflower seeds
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter
- Replace the dried fruit with 1 cup of chopped fresh fruit (apples, pears, peaches, etc.)
- Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- Replace the walnuts and almonds with 1 cup of chopped pecans
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to sift the dry ingredients together before adding them to the wet ingredients.
- Use a light hand when folding in the dried fruit and nuts, as overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- If the cake is browning too quickly, cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
Presentation Ideas:
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of milk.
Garnishes:
- Chopped nuts
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped dried fruit
- Chocolate shavings
Pairings:
- Hot chocolate
- Coffee
- Tea
- Mulled wine
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
- Soup
- Stew
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a few tablespoons of milk to the batter before baking.
- If the cake is too dense, make sure to fold in the dried fruit and nuts gently.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature.
Food History:
Czech Christmas Fruit Cake is a traditional Czech dessert that is served during the Christmas season. It is made with a variety of dried fruits and nuts, and is often served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and nutty flavor, with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The dried fruit adds a chewy texture, and the nuts add crunch.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert after a holiday meal.
- Slice and serve with coffee or tea.
- Serve as an afternoon snack.
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Region: Czech