The mere mention of the Christmas fruit cake conjures up images of the festive Christmas season. An iconic holiday treat, this yummy and rich cake is relished by people from around the globe.
History: A Traditional Delight
The traditional Christmas fruitcake is originated from Christmas pudding. Earliest recipe of the fruitcake can be traced back to ancient Rome. In those days, the fruitcake was a mishmash of raisins, pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and barley. Modern fruitcake date back to the Middle Ages when dried fruits became readily available. With time, the fruitcake became popular all over Europe and in other parts of the world.
Christmas fruitcakes have thrived through the ages. An interesting thing to note is that different variations of the fruitcake became popular in different regions of the world. During the 16th century, fruitcake enriched with candied fruits became prevalent. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the practice of making fruitcake for holidays and weddings gained in popularity.
Facts: Incredible Fruitcake Info To Amaze You
Christmas fruitcakes have several interesting facts associated with them. We share with you a few such facts here:
• A Christmas fruitcake can remain edible for many years
• To extend the shelf life of a fruitcake, wrap it in an alcohol-soaked linen before storing it
• The flavor of Christmas fruitcake enhances with time
• Fruitcake was a favorite of the British Royals
• The largest fruitcake ever made was in India in 2011 and it weighed 3,825 kg
• Fruitcake boast of being the most given Christmas gift
• The fruitcake has traveled to space as it was on board the Apollo 11 space mission, but it was not consumed in space
• Ancient Egyptians placed fruitcake in the tombs of their loved ones as food for afterlife
Ingredients That Make Fruitcakes Finger Licking Good
Christmas fruitcakes mainly comprise of candied fruits, dried fruits, sugar, nuts, spices, and flavor. Often rum, brandy, or some other type of spirit is included in the recipe to enrich the cake. The use of alcohol imparts a moist texture to the cake and gives it a distinct flavor.
Preparation: A Yummy Fruitcake Recipe
Countless fruitcake recipes are prevalent across the world. We bring to you a simple and easy fruitcake recipe:
Preparation Time: 15 min
Baking Time: 105 min
Yield: 24 servings
Ingredients:
• Walnuts, Brazil nuts, Hazelnuts: 3 cups (chopped coarsely)
• Pitted dates: 1 pound (chopped coarsely)
• Maraschino cherries: 1 cup (slit into halves)
• All-purpose flour: 3/4 cup
• Sugar: 3/4 cup
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Eggs: 3
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
Directions
• Mix the nuts, cherries, and dates in a small bowl.
• In a large bowl take flour and add baking powder, sugar, and salt to it.
• Combine the nut assortment to the flour and mix nicely.
• In a separate small bowl beat the eggs and blend in the vanilla extract.
• Add the beaten egg to the flour mixture and mix well
• Take a loaf pan of about 9-inch by 5-inch size and line it with a greased parchment paper
• Pour the mixture into the pan
• Bake at 300° for about 100 to 105 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center of the pan to see if it comes out clean.
• Bring out the cake from the oven and allow to cool before serving
Nutrition Info: Watch Your Calories
• Each serving (1 slice) contains:
• Calories: 230
• Cholesterol: 27 mg
• Carbohydrate: 29 g
• Fat: 12 g (Saturated fat 3 g)
• Protein: 4 g
• Sodium: 71 mg
• Fibre: 3 g
So, what are you waiting for? Start baking and relishing this lip-smacking fruitcake now.
