Fruit Cake (wedding Cake) Recipe

The Fruit Cake, also known as a Wedding Cake, is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. Its rich and moist texture, combined with the sweetness of fruits and the warmth of spices, make it a favorite choice for special occasions like weddings. Let's explore the history and preparation of this delightful cake, and discover some fun facts along the way.

History:

The history of the Fruit Cake can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where fruits and nuts were combined with honey to create a cake-like dessert. In ancient Rome, fruits and spices were added to a mixture of barley mash, resulting in a precursor to the modern Fruit Cake. Over time, the recipe evolved, and by the middle ages, dried fruits and spices became the main ingredients, giving the cake its distinct taste.

Fun Facts:

1. During the Roman Empire, the Fruit Cake was often served at weddings to symbolize fertility and prosperity.

2. In England, the Fruit Cake gained popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria, who included it in her wedding celebrations. This tradition continues to this day, with Fruit Cakes being a staple at British weddings.

3. The tradition of saving the top tier of a Fruit Cake for the first wedding anniversary originated from the belief that eating it would bring good luck and prosperity to the couple.

Now, let's dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious Fruit Cake.

Ingredients:
- 1 pound of butter
- 1 pound of sugar
- 12 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon of mace
- 1/2 teaspoon of cloves
- 1/4 pound of almonds, pounded
- 2 pounds of raisins, seeded and chopped
- 3 pounds of currants, carefully cleaned
- 1 pound of citron, shredded very fine
- 1/4 pound of orange peel, chopped very fine
- 1 pint of brandy

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add the egg yolks and mix well.

3. Stir in the cinnamon, allspice, mace, and cloves until well combined.

4. Add the pounded almonds, raisins, currants, citron, and orange peel to the bowl. Mix everything together until the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5. Pour the pint of brandy over the prepared fruit mixture and let it soak overnight. This will help enhance the flavors.

6. Preheat your oven to a very slow temperature. Line the cake pans with buttered paper.

7. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.

8. Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared cake pans, making sure to distribute it evenly.

9. Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for several hours. The slow cooking ensures that the cake retains its moisture and develops a rich flavor. Keep an eye on the cakes and adjust the baking time as necessary.

10. Once the cakes are completely cooled, wrap them in cloths dipped in brandy. This step helps to preserve the moisture and infuse the cake with the rich flavors of brandy. Place the wrapped cakes in earthen jars for storage.

11. If you are using a gas oven, remember to keep the flame low to prevent the cake from drying out.

12. For the best results, maintain the same temperature throughout the baking process, usually around four to five hours.

Now that you have mastered the Fruit Cake recipe, it's time to enjoy this delectable treat! It can be served as a centerpiece at weddings or any other special occasion. The fruits and spices blend together to create a festive and flavorful dessert that is sure to delight your guests.

Similar Recipe Dishes:

If you enjoy the flavors of the Fruit Cake, you might also like to explore similar dishes that showcase the combination of fruits, nuts, and spices:

1. Panettone: This Italian sweet bread is traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season. It is enriched with fruits, such as raisins and candied orange peel, and often sprinkled with powdered sugar.

2. Stollen: A German holiday bread, Stollen is a rich and dense pastry filled with dried fruits, nuts, and often marzipan. It is commonly enjoyed during the Christmas season.

3. Plum Pudding: This British dessert is traditionally served on Christmas Day. It is made with a mixture of suet, breadcrumbs, dried fruits, spices, and steeped in brandy. Plum pudding is typically steamed rather than baked.

These delightful desserts are variations of the Fruit Cake and offer a unique twist. Feel free to experiment and explore these dishes to expand your culinary repertoire.

Enjoy baking and savoring the delicious flavors of the Fruit Cake!