Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake

Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake is a delightful blend of spices and fruits, making it an ideal treat for holidays and gatherings. This cake stands out with its rich flavors from molasses and buttermilk, combined with a medley of dried fruits and nuts. Perfect for festive occasions, it offers a unique twist on the traditional fruitcake that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spiced: The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create a cozy flavor profile, perfect for cold weather.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the mix of dried fruits and nuts to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this cake fits easily into your holiday baking schedule.
• Aging Enhances Flavor: Allowing the cake to age for a couple of weeks enhances its taste, making it even more delicious over time.
• Perfect for Gifting: Wrapped beautifully, this fruit cake makes an excellent gift for friends and family during the holiday season.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking this wonderful Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without any spills.
• Whisk: Helps to aerate the batter, resulting in a lighter texture in your cake.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure all ingredients are mixed well.

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Ingredients

This Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake is a spiced, fruit-filled treat perfect for the holiday season. With a combination of molasses, buttermilk, and a medley of dried fruits and nuts, this cake is a delightful twist on the classic fruitcake. Add vanilla extract (alcohol-free) or apple juice for extra flavor, and let it age for a couple of weeks for the best taste!

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Mix-ins

• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
• 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, or chopped dried cherries)
• 1/2 cup candied citrus peel, chopped

Optional Soaking Liquid

• 1/4 cup vanilla extract (alcohol-free) or apple juice for soaking

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: German

How to Make Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This step is crucial to ensure even baking.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Grease your 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
* Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
* Whisk together until evenly mixed.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl:
* Beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
* Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

To the butter mixture:
* Stir in the molasses and buttermilk.
* If using optional soaking liquid, add that too.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients:
* Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Fold in Nuts and Fruits

Gently fold in:
* The chopped nuts,
* Mixed dried fruits,
* And candied citrus peel until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 8: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan:
* Bake in preheated oven for about 75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, enjoy this delightful Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake with family and friends!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake

Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether as a festive centerpiece or a casual treat, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with this spiced, fruit-filled cake.

Traditional Slice

• Serve generous slices of the cake on their own. The rich flavors and spices of the cake shine through without any additions.

With Cream Cheese Frosting

• Top each slice with a light cream cheese frosting. The tangy flavor perfectly complements the sweetness of the fruit cake.

Paired With Fresh Fruit

• Accompany the cake with fresh seasonal fruits like pears or apples. Their natural sweetness adds freshness to each bite.

Drizzled with Honey

• A drizzle of honey over the cake provides an extra layer of sweetness and moisture, making it even more enjoyable.

Served Warm

• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.

Accompanied by Spiced Tea

• Pair your fruit cake with a warm cup of spiced tea or herbal tea. The aromatic flavors enhance the holiday spirit and make for a cozy combination.

How to Perfect Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake

To make your Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake truly special, consider these helpful tips for perfection.

• Use fresh ingredients: Ensure that your dried fruits and nuts are fresh for optimal flavor and texture in your cake.
• Let it age: Allow the cake to rest for at least two weeks after baking. This helps develop deeper flavors as the ingredients meld together.
• Moisten with apple juice: If you prefer a moister cake, soak the dried fruits in apple juice overnight before adding them to the batter.
• Bake evenly: Use an oven thermometer to check your oven’s temperature. An accurate temperature will help ensure an evenly baked cake.
• Store properly: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spice quantities based on your preference; adding ginger or cardamom can create interesting flavor notes.

Best Side Dishes for Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake

Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture that balances the dense fruitcake.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing that enhances each bite’s richness.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made from seasonal fruits brightens up the plate and adds freshness.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide crunch and contrast, enriching the overall eating experience.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy brie offers savory flavors that pair well with sweet fruitcake.
6. Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for enjoying this delightful dessert during colder months.
7. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits for a lighter side dish that balances out the richness of the cake.
8. Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea complements the spices in the fruit cake, making it an ideal drink option for serving alongside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake even more delightful.

• Skipping the aging process: This cake benefits from aging. Allow it to sit for a couple of weeks to enhance flavors.
• Using stale dried fruits: Fresh, high-quality dried fruits are essential for moisture and taste. Check expiration dates before using.
• Inconsistent ingredient temperatures: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven baking.
• Not greasing the pan properly: A well-greased pan prevents sticking. Use parchment paper or generously grease with butter.
• Ignoring the baking time: Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early. Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is done.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C). Wrap in foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, add a splash of water or apple juice, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake.

How long should I age the Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake?

Aging your cake for at least two weeks allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing its richness.

Can I use different nuts in my Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake?

Yes! Feel free to substitute walnuts, pecans, or almonds based on your preference.

What kind of fruit can I use in this fruit cake?

You can use any combination of dried fruits like raisins, currants, cherries, or apricots for varied flavor profiles.

Is there a non-dairy alternative for buttermilk?

Absolutely! You can make a non-dairy version by mixing plant-based milk with vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

The Old-Fashioned German Fruit Cake is not only a festive delight but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite nuts and dried fruits. Give this recipe a try during the holiday season or anytime you crave something sweet!