This super moist FRUIT CAKE recipe completely changed my mind about fruit cake!

Cakes by MK
10 Oct 202308:03

TLDRThe video script details a journey of transforming a lifelong dislike for fruitcake into a newfound appreciation by developing a delicious recipe. The process involves a boiled fruitcake method, which is quick and easy, and includes a mix of dried fruits, dates, sweetened orange juice, zest, and molasses for a rich flavor. The recipe also incorporates walnuts for added texture and is completed with an orange sugar syrup for extra moisture and flavor. The finished cake is best enjoyed after 48 hours, allowing it to become more moist and flavorful over time.

Takeaways

  • 🍰 The speaker initially disliked fruit cake but developed a recipe that changed their mind.
  • 🥣 The recipe starts by simmering butter, sugar, dried fruits, sliced dates, orange juice, zest, and molasses.
  • 🍳 This method is called a boiled fruit cake, which is quick and doesn't require pre-soaking of dried fruits.
  • 🧊 The fruit mixture needs to cool down, and can be sped up by placing it in the freezer for about 45 minutes.
  • 🌡 The oven should be preheated to 140°C (285°F) with the fan on, and the cake tin should be greased and lined with baking paper.
  • 🥄 In a separate bowl, mix vegetable oil and eggs, then combine with the cooled fruit mixture.
  • 🥄 Sift and mix dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, salt, and spices, and fold into the fruit mixture.
  • 🌰 Add 100g of chopped walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and texture.
  • 🕗 Bake the cake for 75-85 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
  • 🍊 Prepare an orange sugar syrup to brush on the cake while it cools, enhancing its flavor and moisture.
  • 📦 Store the fruit cake in an airtight container for 48 hours to let it mature before eating for the best taste and texture.

Q & A

  • What was the speaker's initial feeling towards fruit cake?

    -The speaker initially hated fruit cake for their entire life.

  • What changed the speaker's perspective on fruit cake?

    -The speaker developed their own fruit cake recipe and found themselves enjoying multiple pieces of it, suggesting that they might have never had a good recipe before or their taste buds have matured with age.

  • What are the main ingredients for the fruit cake mixture?

    -The main ingredients for the fruit cake mixture include 170g of unsalted butter, 150g of soft brown sugar, 350g of dried fruits, 100g of sliced dates, 166g of sweetened orange juice, 1 and 1/2 tbsp of orange zest, and 2 tablespoons of molasses.

  • How does the boiled fruit cake method differ from traditional fruit cake preparation?

    -The boiled fruit cake method is quicker and easier as it does not require soaking the dried fruits for several days beforehand.

  • What is the purpose of freezing the fruit cake mixture for 45 minutes?

    -Freezing the fruit cake mixture for 45 minutes helps to speed up the cooling process and thickens the mixture before moving on to the next step.

  • How should the cake tin be prepared for baking the fruit cake?

    -The cake tin should be greased with homemade cake release or another grease, and lined with baking paper to prevent the cake from sticking and to ensure even baking.

  • What wet ingredients are added to the fruit cake batter?

    -The wet ingredients added to the fruit cake batter include 52g of unflavored vegetable oil, three large eggs, and the juice of one medium orange.

  • What dry ingredients are combined in the fruit cake recipe?

    -The dry ingredients combined in the fruit cake recipe are 210g of all-purpose flour, 1 and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, half a teaspoon of salt, 1 and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, half a teaspoon of ground ginger powder, a 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of all spice.

  • How long should the fruit cake bake in the oven?

    -The fruit cake should bake in the oven for 75 to 85 minutes at 140°C or 285°F with the fan turned on, or until a skewer or thin knife comes out clean.

  • What is the best way to store the fruit cake for optimal freshness?

    -The fruit cake should be wrapped in two layers of foil, placed in an airtight container, and stored in a cool dry place for about 48 hours before eating to allow it to become more moist and flavorful.

  • What is the speaker's final verdict on the fruit cake after trying their own recipe?

    -The speaker was pleasantly surprised and now loves fruit cake, even considering it possibly in their top 10 cakes, which was a significant change from their initial aversion.

Outlines

00:00

🍰 Developing a Fruit Cake Recipe

The speaker initially disliked fruit cake but after developing a recipe, found themselves enjoying it. The recipe starts by simmering butter, brown sugar, dried fruits, sliced dates, sweetened orange juice, orange zest, and molasses in a saucepan. This boiled fruit cake method is easy and quick, not requiring pre-soaking of dried fruits. The mixture is then cooled, ideally in the freezer for about 45 minutes. While the fruit mixture cools, the oven is preheated and the cake tin is prepared. A wet mixture of oil and eggs is combined and set aside. Separately, dry ingredients are sifted and mixed. The cooled fruit mixture is combined with the wet ingredients, nuts, and finally the sifted dry ingredients, resulting in a thick, spiced batter. The batter is poured into the prepared cake tin, smoothed, and baked at 140°C (convection mode) for 75-85 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. Once baked, the cake is cooled in the tin for 30 minutes before being released onto a wire rack.

05:01

🍊 Making and Storing the Fruit Cake

After baking, the fruit cake is further enhanced with an orange sugar syrup, which is brushed onto the cake while it cools. The syrup is made from fresh orange juice and sugar, heated until the sugar dissolves. The cake is best eaten 48 hours after baking, and can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or in the fridge for about a month if wrapped in foil and placed in an airtight container. The speaker shares that the cake becomes more moist and flavorful over time. Two days after baking, the speaker's cake had a beautiful cut, smelled incredible, and was enjoyed by the whole family. The addition of walnuts provided a pleasant crunch and texture. The speaker concludes by encouraging viewers to try the recipe and share their experiences.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Fruit Cake

Fruit cake is a type of dessert that is made with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. In the video, the speaker shares their journey of developing a fruit cake recipe that changed their perception about this traditional dessert. The recipe includes various ingredients like sultanas, raisins, currants, glace cherries, citrus peel, and dates, which are combined with butter, brown sugar, sweetened orange juice, zest, and molasses. The speaker emphasizes the delightful surprise of enjoying fruit cake after creating their own recipe, highlighting a personal transformation in taste preference.

💡Recipe Development

Recipe development refers to the process of creating a new recipe or improving an existing one. In the context of the video, the speaker had to develop a fruit cake recipe despite their initial dislike for the dessert. The process involved selecting ingredients, determining the right quantities, and deciding on the cooking method. The speaker's experience with recipe development led to a positive change in their opinion about fruit cake, showcasing the importance of experimenting with flavors and textures in cooking.

💡Dried Fruits

Dried fruits are fruits that have been removed of moisture usually by air drying, sun drying, or sulfuring, thus preserving their nutritional value and sweetness. In the video, dried fruits form the base of the fruit cake recipe and include a variety of fruits such as sultanas, raisins, currants, and glace cherries. These fruits contribute to the unique texture and flavor profile of the cake, providing a mix of sweetness and tartness that balances the rich ingredients.

💡Butter

Butter is a dairy product made from the fat and protein components of milk or cream. It is a key ingredient in many recipes, including the fruit cake discussed in the video, where it is combined with brown sugar to create a rich base for the cake. Butter adds a creamy texture and depth of flavor to baked goods, enhancing the overall taste and mouthfeel.

💡Spices

Spices are aromatic or pungent vegetable products used to flavor, color, or preserve food. In the context of the video, spices such as cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice are used in the fruit cake recipe to provide a warm and aromatic flavor profile. These spices not only enhance the taste of the dried fruits but also contribute to the traditional character of the fruit cake.

💡Baking

Baking is a method of cooking that uses prolonged dry heat, usually in an oven, to transform dough or other mixtures into baked goods. In the video, baking is the technique used to cook the fruit cake, with the oven preheated to 140C or 285F and the cake baked for 75 to 85 minutes. The process of baking allows for even cooking and browning, resulting in a fruit cake that is both moist and flavorful.

💡Molasses

Molasses is a viscous product of the sugar refining process, typically produced during the processing of sugarcane or sugar beets. It has a distinct dark color and rich, sweet flavor. In the context of the video, molasses is added to the fruit cake recipe to contribute to the deep caramel flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dessert.

💡Orange Zest

Orange zest is the outer, colorful skin of an orange, finely grated to remove the white pith beneath. It is highly aromatic and adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to dishes. In the video, orange zest is used in the fruit cake recipe to provide a tangy and fragrant note that complements the other flavors.

💡Walnuts

Walnuts are a type of nut that come from the walnut tree. They have a rich, nutty flavor and a crinkly, brain-like appearance. In the video, walnuts are added to the fruit cake recipe for an extra crunch and texture. The inclusion of nuts in fruit cake is not traditional for all cultures, but the speaker found that the walnuts in their recipe added a pleasant contrast to the softness of the dried fruits.

💡Orange Sugar Syrup

Orange sugar syrup is a sweet and citrusy liquid made by combining fresh orange juice with sugar and heating it until the sugar dissolves. In the video, this syrup is brushed onto the fruit cake after it has been baked and is cooling. The syrup adds additional moisture and enhances the flavor of the cake, making it more delicious and aromatic.

💡Cooling and Storing

Cooling and storing refer to the process of allowing a baked good to cool down and then preserving it for future consumption. In the context of the video, the fruit cake is allowed to cool in the tin for about 30 minutes before being removed and further cooled on a wire rack. The speaker also mentions that the fruit cake is best eaten after 48 hours and can be stored for up to two weeks at room temperature in an airtight container or up to a month in the fridge. This process helps the cake to become more moist and flavorful over time.

Highlights

The speaker's transformation in their opinion about fruit cake, from hating it to enjoying it.

The development of a fruit cake recipe that changed the speaker's perspective on the dessert.

The importance of using a good fruit cake recipe and the impact of maturity of taste buds on food preferences.

The method of making a boiled fruit cake, which is quicker and easier than traditional methods.

The use of a variety of dried fruits, allowing for personalization based on individual preferences.

The addition of fresh ingredients like orange zest and juice for extra flavor.

The process of cooling the fruit mixture in the freezer to speed up the process.

Preparation of the cake tin with homemade cake release and baking paper to prevent sticking.

The combination of wet and dry ingredients, including the use of vegetable oil and eggs.

Sifting and mixing of dry ingredients such as flour, baking powder, and various spices for a well-spiced cake.

The incorporation of nuts, specifically walnuts, for added crunch and texture.

The recommendation to let the fruit cake rest for 48 hours to enhance its moistness and flavor.

The storage advice for the fruit cake, including wrapping and keeping it in an airtight container.

The speaker's husband, who typically doesn't like fruit cake, also enjoyed this recipe.

The speaker's assertion that this fruit cake might be in their top 10 cakes, showing a significant positive change in their opinion.