Introduction
The Chocolate Fruit Nut Cake is a perfect blend of rich chocolate, assorted fruits, and crunchy nuts, making it an ideal dessert for festive occasions, especially during Christmas. This delightful cake not only offers a treat for the taste buds but also presents a beautiful and festive look on any holiday table. With layers of flavor and texture, it captivates both the eyes and the palate.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– All-purpose flour: 2 cups
– Unsweetened cocoa powder: 3/4 cup
– Baking powder: 1 tsp
– Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
– Salt: 1/2 tsp
– Unsalted butter: 1 cup (softened)
– Sugar: 1.5 cups
– Eggs: 3 large
– Vanilla extract: 2 tsp
– Milk: 1 cup
– Mixed dried fruits (chopped): 1 cup
– Mixed nuts (chopped): 1 cup
– Dark chocolate (melted): 1/2 cup
Prep Time
The prep time for this delectable Chocolate Fruit Nut Cake is approximately 30 minutes. This includes gathering ingredients, measuring them accurately, and mixing them to create the batter.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The cook time for the cake is around 45 to 50 minutes in the oven. This brings the total time to about 1 hour and 20 minutes when combining both prep and cooking. The recipe yields a delicious cake that can serve approximately 10 to 12 people, making it suitable for gatherings and celebrations during the festive season.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Fruit and Nuts
Start by chopping your chosen dried fruits and nuts into small pieces. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
Soak the Fruits
In a bowl, soak the chopped dried fruits in warm water or orange juice for about 30 minutes. This will help to plump them up and enhance their flavors.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking when your batter is ready.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well incorporated.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the Wet to Dry
Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix, as this could affect the texture of the cake.
Incorporate the Fruits and Nuts
Fold the soaked dried fruits and nuts into the batter, ensuring an even distribution throughout.
Pour the Batter into the Pan
Grease and line a cake pan with parchment paper. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top for an even bake.
Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
Let the Cake Cool
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Decorate as Desired
Once the cake is completely cooled, you can decorate it with icing, fresh fruits, or nuts, as per your preference.
Notes
Fruit Choices
Feel free to use a variety of dried fruits such as apricots, cranberries, or raisins for added flavor and texture.
Nut Options
You can choose any nuts you prefer, such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Ensure they are chopped to avoid large chunks in the cake.
Storage Recommendations
Once cooled and decorated, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be refrigerated for longer freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh cream or a scoop of ice cream. It’s perfect for festive gatherings and celebrations.
Flavor Variations
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced flavor, which complements the chocolate and fruits beautifully.
