Spiced Apple Rainy Fruit Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 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 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer

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 applesauce. Fold in the walnuts, raisins, dates, and apricots.
5. Spread batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Serving Size: 8-10

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 300
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: can be substituted with margarine or vegetable oil
- White sugar: can be substituted with brown sugar or honey
- Applesauce: can be substituted with mashed banana
- Walnuts: can be substituted with any other type of nut
- Raisins: can be substituted with dried cranberries or cherries
- Dates: can be substituted with dried figs or prunes
- Apricots: can be substituted with dried peaches or pears

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped apples
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped almonds
- Add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans
- Add 1/4 cup of dried blueberries

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy
- Use a light hand when folding in the dry ingredients and the fruit
- Test the cake for doneness with a toothpick before removing from the oven

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Dust with powdered sugar
- Drizzle with melted chocolate
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream

Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts
- Chopped dates
- Chopped dried apricots

Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
- Roasted potatoes

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a few tablespoons of applesauce or milk.
- If the cake is too moist, bake for a few minutes longer.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Make sure to use a clean bowl and utensils when making the cake.
- Make sure to store the cake in an airtight container.

Food History:
The combination of spices, apples, and dried fruit is a classic combination that has been used in cakes for centuries.

Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and spicy flavor, with a hint of tartness from the apples and dried fruit.

Serving Suggestions:
This cake is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

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Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Fruity, Moist, Aromatic