Very Simple Fruit Cake Recipe: A Beginner's Delight

This recipe is designed for those who want to bake a delicious fruit cake without getting bogged down in complicated steps or obscure ingredients. It's perfect for beginners and those short on time. This very simple fruit cake recipe focuses on ease and flavor, delivering a moist and satisfying result every time.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe keeps things incredibly simple, using common pantry staples. You likely already have most of these ingredients at home!

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, cranberries – your choice!)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

This easy fruit cake recipe is broken down into manageable steps, making it perfect for even the most novice bakers.

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

Begin by creaming together the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer for best results, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is crucial for a light and airy cake.

Step 2: Adding the Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!

Step 5: Adding the Fruit

Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.

Step 6: Baking the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cooling and Serving

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar or enjoy it as is.

Tips for the Best Very Simple Fruit Cake:

• Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened – this helps it cream properly with the sugar.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter clinging to it, bake for a few more minutes.
• Storage: Store your fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Variations on This Very Simple Fruit Cake Recipe:

• Add Nuts: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like allspice or cloves.
• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Glaze it: Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice for an extra touch.

This very simple fruit cake recipe is a great starting point for baking adventures. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Remember to share your baking successes using the hashtag #VerySimpleFruitCake. Happy baking!