Easter Fruit Cake

Name: Easter Fruit Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Traditional
Ingredients: 2 cups dried mixed fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants); 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar); 4 large eggs (room temperature); 1/2 cup whole milk

Published: March 15, 2025

by Liora

Why You’ll Love This Easter Fruit Cake

Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of dried fruits and warm spices creates a rich flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors from the fruits make the cake an eye-catching centerpiece for your Easter table.
Great for Gifting: Wrapped beautifully, this cake makes an excellent homemade gift for friends and family during the holiday season.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Easter Fruit Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Dried Mixed Fruits: A mix of raisins, sultanas, and currants brings sweetness and texture; look for quality brands without added sugars.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds add crunch; ensure they are fresh for optimal flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cake; sift it before measuring to aerate.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise; be sure to use fresh powder for best results.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth; adjust according to personal preference.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control salt levels in your recipe; it adds richness to the flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter; consider using brown sugar for additional depth in flavor.
Eggs: These bind ingredients together; ensure they are at room temperature before mixing.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter; whole milk works best but feel free to substitute with almond milk if desired.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Easter Fruit Cake

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a round cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruits

In a large bowl, combine your dried mixed fruits with chopped nuts. Toss them with a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about three minutes on medium speed.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Milk

One at a time, add eggs into the butter mixture while mixing well after each addition. Then add milk gradually until fully combined.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Finally, gently stir in the floured fruits until evenly distributed.

Transfer to prepared pan and smooth out the top before placing it in the oven.

Let it bake for about one hour or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Transfer to cool before serving.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh dried fruits and nuts significantly enhance flavor; choose high-quality options whenever possible.
Let It Rest: Allowing your fruit cake to sit overnight helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Add Zest for Extra Flavor: Consider adding citrus zest like orange or lemon for an aromatic lift that complements the fruitiness.
Storage Tips: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil before storing; it keeps well at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Cake Decoration Options: Top with whipped cream or serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!

Enjoy creating this Easter Fruit Cake that not only delights your palate but also brings joy during your holiday celebrations!

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How to Serve Easter Fruit Cake

This Easter Fruit Cake is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Fresh Whipped Cream: This light topping adds a creamy texture that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Citrus Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or orange zest brings a refreshing brightness, enhancing the cake’s flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich and creamy ice cream perfectly complements the dense fruit cake, creating a delightful contrast.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Tips and tricks

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can bake the Easter Fruit Cake up to one week in advance. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Storing: Leftover cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it well in foil to keep it fresh.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through without drying out.

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Suggestions for Easter Fruit Cake

Use Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality ingredients is essential for a delicious Easter Fruit Cake. Opt for fresh, organic fruits and premium nuts to enhance the flavors. Avoid using stale or low-quality dried fruits, as they can impart off-flavors that ruin the cake’s taste. Remember that your choice of flour and sugar also matters; whole grain or unbleached flour offers better texture. Furthermore, consider using real butter instead of margarine for richness. Quality ingredients not only improve flavor but also contribute to the cake’s overall appeal. When you invest time in selecting the best components, your Easter Fruit Cake will stand out as a delightful treat.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing the batter is a common mistake that can lead to a dense and tough Easter Fruit Cake. It’s crucial to mix just until all ingredients are combined. When you incorporate flour into wet ingredients, gluten forms, which can negatively affect the texture if overworked. Aim for a batter that is slightly lumpy; this ensures your cake remains moist and tender after baking. Gently fold in fruits and nuts at the end to avoid breaking them apart. By mastering this technique, you will create an airy cake that everyone will love during festive celebrations.

Allow Proper Cooling Time

Allowing your Easter Fruit Cake to cool properly is vital for achieving perfect texture and flavor. After baking, let it rest in its pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling period helps prevent sogginess and ensures that the cake retains its shape when removed from the pan. If you cut into the cake too soon, it may crumble or fall apart, ruining its presentation. Additionally, allowing it to cool completely enhances its flavor as it continues to set while cooling down. Patience here pays off significantly.

Don’t Skip Soaking Fruits

Soaking fruits is an essential step in preparing an Easter Fruit Cake that bursts with flavor. This process allows dried fruits to absorb moisture and plump up, enhancing their sweetness and juiciness in the final product. Choose a soaking liquid like rum, orange juice, or even tea for added depth of flavor. Make sure to soak your fruits for at least a few hours—overnight is ideal—for maximum effect. Skipping this step can lead to dry bites within your cake, disappointing anyone who takes a slice. Take this simple step to elevate your cake drastically.

FAQs

What is an Easter Fruit Cake?

An Easter Fruit Cake is a rich dessert traditionally enjoyed during the Easter holiday season. It typically features a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, spices, and sometimes alcohol like rum or brandy for added flavor complexity. The combination of these ingredients creates a moist and flavorful cake that symbolizes abundance and celebration during Easter festivities. While variations exist across different cultures, most recipes share common elements such as fruit and nuts mixed into a buttery batter baked until golden brown.

How long does an Easter Fruit Cake last?

An Easter Fruit Cake can last quite some time if stored correctly due to its dense ingredients and often high sugar content. Typically, when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it can remain fresh for up to two weeks. If you wish to extend its shelf life further, consider refrigerating it; this could allow it to last up to one month or even longer if frozen. Just remember to thaw it gradually before serving so that flavors can fully develop.

Can I make Easter Fruit Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making your Easter Fruit Cake ahead of time can enhance its flavors as they meld together during storage. Many bakers recommend preparing the cake several days or even weeks before serving it; some suggest making it months in advance if you plan on freezing it properly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil. Just remember to periodically check on your stored cake; spritzing with alcohol or syrup can help maintain moisture levels over time.

What toppings are best for Easter Fruit Cake?

When it comes to toppings for your Easter Fruit Cake, less is often more! A simple dusting of powdered sugar provides an elegant touch without overpowering the rich flavors of the cake itself. Alternatively, you might consider using marzipan or fondant icing for those who enjoy decorative cakes—this adds visual appeal while still allowing the fruit flavors to shine through beneath the frosting layer. For extra crunch and color contrast, topping with chopped nuts or glazed fruits works wonderfully too!

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Conclusion for Easter Fruit Cake

Creating an unforgettable Easter Fruit Cake involves careful attention to detail throughout every step of preparation—from selecting quality ingredients to allowing proper cooling time after baking. Remember not to overmix your batter and always soak your dried fruits beforehand; both techniques greatly improve texture and flavor intensity in your finished product! By following these tips diligently while also storing correctly afterward—perhaps even making ahead—you’ll ensure each slice delights everyone at your holiday celebrations! Happy baking!

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