Mexican Fruit Cake Recipe Introduction:
Mexican Fruit Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of traditional Mexican ingredients with the sweetness of a classic fruit cake. This unique fusion creates a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for special occasions or a sweet indulgence any day of the week. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating this delectable dessert step by step.
Mexican Fruit Cake Recipe Overview:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Baking Time: 1 hour Yields: 12 servings Difficulty: Intermediate
Mexican Fruit Cake Recipe Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
- 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds
Mexican Fruit Cake Recipe Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped dried apricots, figs, candied ginger, pecans, walnuts, and dates until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Mexican Fruit Cake Recipe Variations:
- You can customize this cake by adding a hint of chili powder for a spicy twist, or by using different dried fruits and nuts of your choice.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can soak the dried fruits in tequila or rum before adding them to the batter.
Mexican Fruit Cake Recipe Presentation and Serving Suggestions:
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cooled cake and sprinkle toasted almonds on top for a beautiful and delicious finishing touch.
- Serve individual slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Nutritional Information: (Per Serving, Approximate) Calories: 380 Total Fat: 19g Saturated Fat: 7g Cholesterol: 70mg Sodium: 280mg Total Carbohydrates: 50g Dietary Fiber: 3g Sugars: 29g Protein: 5g
Conclusion: Mexican Fruit Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of Mexico with the richness of a classic fruit cake. With its warm spices, sweet dried fruits, and nutty goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite for your family and friends. Enjoy the unique blend of flavors and the delightful texture of this Mexican-inspired treat!