Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, blueberries, etc.)
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and maple syrup.
5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the walnuts and dried fruit.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 456
Fat: 19.5g
Carbohydrates: 62.3g
Protein: 6.3g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: Can be substituted with margarine or coconut oil.
- Brown sugar: Can be substituted with white sugar or coconut sugar.
- Buttermilk: Can be substituted with regular milk or almond milk.
- Walnuts: Can be substituted with pecans or almonds.
- Dried fruit: Can be substituted with fresh fruit or other dried fruits.
Variations:
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced cake.
- Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Add ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to use softened butter for the best results.
- Use a light hand when mixing the batter to ensure a light and fluffy cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cake in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1 minute.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.
- Drizzle the cake with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts
- Whipped cream
- Melted chocolate
- Sprinkles
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Milk
- Ice cream
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a tablespoon of buttermilk or maple syrup.
- If the cake is too dense, add an extra egg or tablespoon of baking powder.
Food Safety Advice:
- Use pasteurized eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella.
- Store the cake in an airtight container to prevent spoilage.
Food History:
Fruit cakes have been around since ancient times, with the earliest recorded recipe dating back to Roman times. The addition of maple syrup and walnuts is a more modern twist on the classic recipe.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and nutty flavor with hints of maple and dried fruit.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert after a meal.
- Enjoy as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pack in a lunchbox for a sweet treat.
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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Maple, Fruity, Maple-Flavored