Delightfully Light Fruit Cake

This Light Fruit Cake is a delightful take on a traditional favorite. Perfectly moist, sweetened with a medley of dried fruits and candied cherries, and delicately flavored with orange juice and vanilla essence, it’s a treat for any occasion. Whether for a holiday gathering or a simple tea-time indulgence, this cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 250 g plain flour
• 2 tsp baking powder

Wet Ingredients:

• 250 g softened butter
• 170 g fine sugar
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 2 tablespoons condensed milk

Mix-Ins:

• 250 g dry fruit mix
• 50 g red and green candied cherries

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a 9-inch round or loaf cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Fruits: In a small bowl, toss the dry fruit mix and candied cherries with 1 tablespoon of the flour. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the plain flour and baking powder. Set aside.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and fine sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
5. Add the Eggs : Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the mixture is smooth.
6. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Add the orange juice, vanilla essence, and condensed milk. Mix until combined.
7. Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture: Gradually fold in the sifted flour mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter.
8. Fold in the Fruits: Gently fold in the prepared dry fruit mix and candied cherries.
9. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Conclusion:

This Light Fruit Cake is a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, ideal for festive occasions or a simple dessert. The vibrant flavors of orange, vanilla, and a mix of fruits come together beautifully in this moist, delightful treat. Serve it with a cup of tea or as a dessert to share with loved ones!