Farmer Fruit Cake
A moist, spiced fruit cake packed with apples, pecans, and raisins, perfect for festive occasions or cozy gatherings, offering warm flavors and comforting texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook apples in syrup and allow to cool.
- Mix eggs, butter, and sugar until well combined.
- Combine the cooked apples with the egg mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in pecans and raisins.
- Pour the batter into a greased Bundt pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you want a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the butter with applesauce. To enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of allspice or ginger. Ensure the apples are cooked thoroughly to soften them, which helps integrate their flavor into the cake. This recipe also works well with other fruits, so feel free to experiment!
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Farmer Fruit Cake as a delightful dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. For special occasions, it can also be drizzled with a simple glaze for an elegant finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Farmer Fruit Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 20-30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring it's heated through without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Farmer Fruit Cake contains roughly 1307 calories, with 9g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (81% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 23g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a lovely flavor and texture, you can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just make sure to chop them roughly to maintain a good balance with the other ingredients. Toasting the nuts beforehand can also enhance their flavor.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the Farmer Fruit Cake, substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup of flour. This will help replicate the structure and texture of traditional flour.
What type of apples work best for this cake?
For the best results, use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination provides a nice balance of flavors and ensures the apples retain some structure during baking. Avoid using overly soft apples that may turn mushy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).