Fruitcake

Posted in Baking Chronicles !

Here’s a fruitcake recipe tailored for four people, without alcohol, along with storage instructions:

Fruitcake for Four (No Alcohol)

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped apricots, cherries, etc.)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
  • Zest of half an orange (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a small loaf pan (4×6 inches or similar size).
  2. In a small saucepan, combine the mixed dried fruits with orange juice. Heat the mixture over low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the fruits to plump up. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce and brown sugar until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the applesauce mixture, stirring until just combined.
  6. Fold in the plumped dried fruits, chopped nuts, and orange zest (if using) until evenly distributed in the batter.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the fruitcake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Instructions:

  • Once cooled completely, wrap the fruitcake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks.
  • To freeze, wrap the cooled fruitcake in several layers of plastic wrap and then in foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

This smaller batch fruitcake is perfect for a cozy treat without the fuss of a large portion.