Ama called for Christmas
When Ama called to say she’s coming for Christmas I could hear the excitement and grin on her face as we spoke over the phone last week. I absolutely love a piece of Christmas Fruit cake. I knew exactly what I wanted to make for her. I’ve had this fruit cake recipe on my to-bake list forever. You know how some recipes just wait for the perfect moment? This was it.
One of the best parts about eating a fruit cake is savoring the fruits in every single bite. Can’t get past the taste of cranberries, nuts, raisins, dates or jelly.
We’ve been best friends since we met in high school and she’s been over to the house a couple of times: sleepovers, birthdays and school days. She adores food (almost as much as I do) and She loves plants too. A beautiful way to welcome Ama would certainly be with the best Christmas classic dessert ever!!!
Baking Day: Baking For My Best Friend
The day before baking, I did what my mom taught me – writing a list and getting all my ingredients from the market, then soaking the fruits. Cranberries, raisins, dates, and some nuts went into a little bowl with some rum. (Okay, maybe a lot of rum). The kitchen started smelling like Christmas even before I turned on the oven. Mixing the batter, folding in those fruits, watching everything come together – it’s like creating a little piece of happiness. The cake wasn’t just about following a recipe. It was about making something special for Ama. Every time I stirred, I remembered all those crazy moments we’ve shared.
Why Fruit Cake?
Some people think fruit cake is boring. Not me! Fruitcake is a cake made with candied or dried fruit, nuts, and spices. I love how every bite is packed with different flavors. Cranberries that pop, nuts that add crunch, those sweet little jellied fruits – it’s like a party in your mouth.
They provide a chewy and fruity texture to the cake and add moisture too. Fruitcakes are soft, moist, full of flavor-packed fruits spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s really simple to make and comes together from start to finish in hours.
You could soak your fruits in warm water for 40 minutes before mixing. That way there’s no alcohol so it’s kid-friendly. For an adult twist, soak your dried fruits in rum or brandy overnight before baking(It helps preserve the cake and adds a unique flavor). You can also brush the baked cake with rum.
Perfect for Christmas celebrations, although it is also commonly available throughout the year.
Complement with:
Fruit cake has a moist texture that pairs wonderfully with a range of complementary dishes and hot beverages. A cup of hot tea or coffee, fresh fruit salad(a mix of fresh, seasonal fruits can balance the richness of the cake: berries, melons). It’s also delightful alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of whipped cream. It adds a refreshing counterpoint to the spiced fruit cake.🤭
Check out Banana Bread
The Best Part
Picking up a Christmas gift for Ama
On my way to pick her up, I stopped at a garden to get her a flower as a Christmas present. Ama adores nature and plants. She would always emphasize the fact that plants have life and deserve to be loved and cared for. After high school, she traveled to Aboekota to take up a Course on Hydroponics Soil less Farming, which involves farming without soil and growing plants in a controlled environment. (She promises to tell me everything about it when we meet). I have seen how she enjoys and loves what she is doing and how much she thrives in it! Ama truly motivates and encourages me to be a better version of me in all I do. Baking, Tech(another story for another day), leadership and writing.
When Ama arrives, this cake will be more than just dessert. It’ll be a welcome, a memory, a big warm hug on a plate. Christmas is about sharing, right? And what better way to share than with a slice of something sweet? This is one of those cakes that tastes even better after sitting on your counter for a day or two. This gives the flavors a chance to marry and brings out the molasses in the sugar.
General Tips for Fruit Cakes
- To chop, sprinkle the knife well with flour while chopping so it won’t stick to the knife.
- Soak Your Fruits: For extra moistness, soak dried fruits in a bit of rum overnight.
- Mix Fruits with Flour: Toss your dried fruits with a bit of flour before adding. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
- Don’t Over mix: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Over mixing can lead to a tough cake.
- When your cake is first baked, it could have a hard, dry crust. Never fear, as this is normal. During the aging process, the crust and fruit moisten and the flavors blend well.
- The secret to its moist texture lies in the balance of ingredients,particularly the orange juice that keeps the cake tender and flavorful. Follow the detailed instructions to create a fruitcake that is sure to impress.
- Store Properly: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture. This cake stores beautifully.
Learn how to make a perfectly moist and delicious fruitcake with this easy recipe. It’s a treat for any occasion! Can’t wait to have you try it.
Christmas Fruit Cake
Print This
Ingredients
- 250g butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or mixed flavors(tutti frutti)
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons black treacle
- 2 tablespoons golden syrup
- Browning as desired
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped apricots, red and green glace cherries etc.)
- ½ cup dates - cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds etc.)--anything but peanuts.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch pan.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy{crucial for a light cake}
- Beat in eggs one at a time, add in vanilla essence and stir
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until combined.
- If soaking fruits in rum or brandy, pour over them, stir, cover, and let it rest overnight to use the next day or soak in warm water for 30 minutes before baking.
- Fold in chopped dried fruit and nuts to the mixture.
- Pour over mixture, gently stir until well incorporated.
- Pour into loaf pan, smooth top. Bake for 70-80 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then on a wire rack.
- Slice thickly and cherish every bite!
Footnote
I am serious about Cake & Ama
It’s refreshing to keep things unfinished for others to chip in
After all blood must be let from vampires too
Can silver bullets work for wolves, I wonder
I do not help others unless they actually do the work
For posers and losers, there’s no spices left
Of spiced honey, fruits or drinks
Make do with vanilla and orange bubblies
The champagne and cologne needs a G 😉
Kikiki is an old nemesis for those who sit for hours
With dilated Iris. Hence, I understand.
Shalom.
Meltinglemondrop 15.12. 2024
3 comments
Wow! A beautiful way to rekindle the good memories of Christmas.
Lovely journey through this amazing recipe… Can’t wait to try it out myself. Thanks for being so detailed and clear!
Yes, I don’t think Snoopy will work here. Some people are allergic to peanuts.