Nut and Fruit Cake Recipe

Nut and Fruit Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• Fresh berries (blueberries or raspberries)
• Honey (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions:

1. Bake the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat until just combined.
5. Fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts, and dried fruit.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and let cool completely on a wire rack.

2. Add the Topping:

1. Once the cake is completely cool, transfer it to a serving plate.
2. Sprinkle the top with chopped nuts and fresh berries.
3. Drizzle with honey if desired.

Tips:

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
• You can use any combination of nuts and dried fruits that you prefer.
• The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your delicious Nut and Fruit Cake!