Mixed Fruit Pound Cake 

Introduction:

Mixed Fruit Pound Cake is a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery texture of classic pound cake with the sweet, tangy flavors of dried fruits.

This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive holiday, a special family gathering, or simply a sweet treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea.

The combination of colorful dried fruits adds a beautiful visual appeal to the cake, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a delicious mixed fruit pound cake from scratch.

With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is accessible even to novice bakers. 

The result is a moist, tender cake that’s bursting with fruity flavors and a touch of nostalgia.

Mixed Fruit Pound Cake: A Festive and Flavorful Delight

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt 

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk 

1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, apricots, cranberries, and cherries)

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for tossing with dried fruits)

For the Garnish:

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions: 

Prepare the Dried Fruits:

Begin by chopping any large dried fruits, such as apricots or cherries, into small, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure even distribution throughout the cake.

Toss the mixed dried fruits with 1 tablespoon of flour in a small bowl. This step helps prevent the fruits from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

Prepare the Cake Batter:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the cake.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer or by hand until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. 

Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.

Incorporate the Dried Fruits:

Gently fold the flour-coated dried fruits into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Bake the Cake:

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.

Cool and Serve:

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cake out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

If desired, dust the top of the cooled cake with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a festive finish.

Storage:

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

This cake also freezes well for up to three months; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.

Conclusion:

Mixed Fruit Pound Cake is a delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of a pound cake with the added sweetness and texture of dried fruits.

The moist, tender crumb of the cake pairs beautifully with the chewy, flavorful bits of fruit, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and festive.

This cake is versatile enough to serve on any occasion, from holiday celebrations to casual family gatherings.

The process of making it is simple, yet the result is a cake that looks and tastes like something from a high-end bakery.

So, the next time you’re looking for a cake that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress, give this mixed fruit pound cake a try.

It’s a delightful treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every slice with a cup of tea, coffee, or simply on its own!