Description
Rich Italian apricot and walnut fruitcake delivers classic holiday warmth with Mediterranean charm. Luscious dried fruits and crunchy walnuts combine in this traditional dessert that brings festive cheer to winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits:
- 2 cups dried apricots, roughly chopped
- 1 ½ cups raisins
- 2 cups glace cherries, roughly chopped (1 cup red and 1 cup green)
- 1 cup mixed peel
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups white sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare a gentle heat source at 325°F and prepare two loaf vessels with non-stick spray and parchment lining.
- Combine white sugar, apricots, raisins, and water in a saucepan, simmering for half an hour while stirring periodically. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Whip butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and remaining sugar until the mixture becomes ethereally light and voluminous.
- Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition to create a smooth, uniform texture.
- Fold the cooled fruit mixture, including its liquid, into the creamy base, ensuring comprehensive integration.
- Gradually introduce flour and baking powder, mixing with a delicate touch to maintain the batter’s airy consistency.
- Gently incorporate glace cherries, mixed peel, and chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the batter into prepared loaf vessels, filling each no more than three-quarters full. Softly tap the pans to eliminate potential air pockets.
- Bake for approximately 55 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center. If it emerges clean, the fruitcake is ready; otherwise, extend baking time by 5-minute increments.
- Once baked, allow the cakes to rest within their vessels for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack, ensuring complete cooling before slicing.
Notes
- Simmering fruits intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a rich, concentrated flavor profile for the fruitcake.
- Cream cheese adds unexpected moisture and a subtle tangy undertone that elevates the traditional fruitcake texture.
- Gently folding ingredients prevents overmixing, ensuring a tender and light cake with delicate crumb structure.
- Filling loaf pans only three-quarters full allows proper rising and prevents potential overflow during baking.
- Room temperature ingredients guarantee smoother mixing and more consistent cake texture throughout.
- Allowing cakes to rest in pans before cooling helps them set and prevents potential structural breakdown when removed.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg