Stirring Fruit Cake
A rich, festive fruit cake bursting with crystallized cherries, pineapple, nuts, and spice, perfect for special occasions or holiday celebrations, offering a moist and flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add one egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in self-rising flour, almond extract, vanilla, and cake spice.
- Beat the mixture thoroughly until smooth.
- Coarsely chop the crystallized fruits and nuts, then fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a large greased pan and bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and stir the mixture; repeat this stirring process three times at 15-minute intervals.
- Prepare a tube cake pan by greasing it and lining with brown paper. Pack the hot cake mixture into the pan.
- Bake the cake in the oven for an additional 15 minutes.
- Allow the cake to stand in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning out.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. You can substitute mixed nuts with walnuts or pecans based on preference. If you don't have self-rising flour, combine all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. Adding a splash of orange juice can enhance the fruit flavors. Consider trying this cake with a scoop of Velvet Cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Serving Suggestions
This Stirring Fruit Cake is perfect for festive occasions or as an afternoon treat with tea. Serve it alongside a Creamy Cranberry Shake for a refreshing contrast. For added indulgence, pair it with Snowy Ice Cream. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a beautiful finish, making it an attractive centerpiece for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm in the oven for a few minutes to restore its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stirring Fruit Cake contains roughly 427 calories, with 7g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 fresh fruits instead of crystallized ones?
While fresh fruits can be used, they contain more moisture and may alter the cake's texture. If you choose to use fresh fruits, consider reducing other liquid ingredients and adjusting baking time to ensure the cake cooks through without being too dense.
What can I do if I don't have almond extract?
If almond extract is unavailable, you can use vanilla extract as a substitute. However, you might lose some of the distinct flavor that almond provides. Alternatively, a few drops of hazelnut extract can offer a similar nutty taste.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Keep in mind that the additional stirring during baking may require slight adjustments to the timing.
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).