Introduction:

 

Ah, the joy of Christmas! It's that time of the year when the air is filled with festive cheer, and our homes are adorned with the aroma of delightful treats. As Christmas approaches, my excitement knows no bounds, for it's the perfect opportunity to indulge in the art of baking. One particular recipe that holds a special place in my heart is the Easy Eggless Christmas Special Fruit Cake. Allow me to share with you a little story about how this recipe became a tradition in my household.

 

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Recipe of Easy Eggless Christmas Special Fruit Cake

 

Ingredients:

 

• ½ cup Tutti Frutti (green)
• ½ cup Tutti Frutti (red)
• ½ cup Candied Cherries
• ½ cup Golden Raisins
• ¼ cup Black Raisins
• 1 cup Cashew Nuts (sliced)
• 1 cup Almonds (cut into two)
• 1 ½ cup Orange Juice
• ½ cup Cashew Nuts (cut into two)

Christmas Spice Mix (grind it into powder):

• 1 stick Cinnamon
• 6 cloves
• 4 star anise

For Caramel:

• ¾ cup Sugar
• ½ cup Butter (melted)
• 1 ½ cup Refined Flour
• ½ cup Milk
• 4 tbsp Milk Powder
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 10 drops Vanilla Essence

 

 

Method:

 

Soaking of Fruits:

1. In a saucepan, pour orange juice and add all the dried fruits and nuts, reserving 20 percent for garnish.

2. Bring it to a soft boil on a slow flame and add the spice mix powder. Switch off the flame and set aside.

Caramel:

1. Heat sugar in a non-stick pan on a low flame and stir gently.

2. When it forms bubbles, switch the gas to the lowest flame to settle down the bubbles.

3. Add equal quantity of water in small portions and stir continuously to avoid any lumps.

4. The syrup will achieve a malt color. Allow it to reduce to the consistency of honey.

Cake Batter:

1. Meanwhile, transfer only fruits into a bowl and add melted butter.

2. Add 1 ½ cups of refined flour and cut and fold the mixture.

3. Now, add ½ cup milk and continue mixing.

4. Add milk powder and add caramel to adjust cake batter consistency.

5. Add baking powder, vanilla essence, and a few drops of water. Mix well.

Baking:

1. Preheat the cooker with a katori for 10 minutes.

2. Line a cake tin with butter and greaseproof paper on all sides.

3. Pour ¾ of the batter into the mold and tap to release any air bubbles.

4. Top it up with reserved fruits and nuts.

5. Bake it in the pressure cooker pot for 35 to 40 minutes.

6. After 20 minutes, add more fruits and bake further on a slow flame.

7. Check the cake, demold it, allow it to cool, and enjoy!

 

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About the Recipe:

 

Crafted with love and inspired by the spirit of Christmas, this Easy Eggless Christmas Special Fruit Cake is a delightful treat for the holiday season. Bursting with the goodness of fruits and nuts, this cake is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're celebrating with family or sharing it with friends, this cake is sure to spread joy and warmth to everyone around the table.

 

 

Cooking Tips:

 

1. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe.
2. Use a good quality orange juice for added flavor in the fruit mix.
3. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
4. For a richer taste, soak the dried fruits in orange juice overnight.
5. Dust the fruits and nuts with a little flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
6. Adjust the baking time according to your oven's temperature for the perfect bake.
7. Don't overmix the batter to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
8. Grease and line the baking pan properly to prevent sticking.
9. Decorate the top of the cake with extra fruits and nuts for a festive touch.
10. Store the cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer.

 

 

Pairing Guide:

 

This Easy Eggless Christmas Special Fruit Cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a steaming mug of mulled wine. For a refreshing twist, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also makes a delightful addition to a holiday brunch spread when served alongside fresh fruits and cheese platters.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions:

 

1. Can I use regular milk instead of orange juice in this recipe?
   • Yes, you can substitute regular milk for orange juice, but it may slightly alter the flavor of the cake.
2. How long does this fruit cake stay fresh?
   • When stored in an airtight container, this fruit cake can stay fresh for up to a week.
3. Can I use different types of dried fruits and nuts in this recipe?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to customize the fruit and nut mix according to your preference.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time and freeze it?
   • Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
5. Is it necessary to soak the dried fruits before adding them to the batter?
   • While soaking the fruits adds moisture and flavor, you can skip this step if you're short on time.
6. Can I omit the nuts from this recipe?
   • Yes, you can omit the nuts if you have allergies or simply prefer not to include them.
7. How can I prevent the fruits from sinking to the bottom of the cake?
   • Coating the fruits and nuts with a little flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking.
8. Can I use this recipe to make cupcakes instead of a cake?
   • Yes, you can use this recipe to make delicious fruitcake cupcakes. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
9. Is it necessary to preheat the oven before baking the cake?
   • Yes, it's essential to preheat the oven to the specified temperature to ensure even baking.
10. Can I use this recipe to make a gluten-free fruit cake?
    • Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for regular flour to make a gluten-free version of this fruit cake.

 

With these tips and answers to common questions, you're all set to embark on your baking journey and create a memorable Easy Eggless Christmas Special Fruit Cake that will delight your loved ones this holiday season. Happy baking!

 

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