Cozy Winter Spice Cake with Fruits and Nuts

Winter Cake Recipe: A Cozy Dessert for Cold Days

Category: Desserts
Servings: 10 slices

When the winter chill sets in and the days grow shorter, nothing warms the soul like a comforting slice of homemade cake. This Winter Cake, with its rich blend of dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, is a perfect dessert for those cozy moments. The delicate hint of cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric brings warmth to every bite, while the sweetness of honey and fruits creates a harmony of flavors that makes this cake a delightful treat.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Nuts: Start by preparing the nuts for the cake. Place the walnuts, hazelnuts, and almonds into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse gently until you have a coarse chop, making sure not to grind them too finely. This will give your cake a nice crunch. Set the chopped nuts aside.

2. Soak the Raisins: In a small bowl, place the raisins and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for a few minutes to rehydrate, which will ensure they stay juicy when baked into the cake. After a few minutes, drain and gently squeeze out any excess water.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the sugar. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and slightly foamy. Next, pour in the whole milk and vegetable oil. Continue to whisk until all the wet ingredients are fully incorporated.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients: To the wet ingredients, add the flour, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and baking powder. Mix everything thoroughly until you achieve a smooth batter. The addition of spices will infuse your cake with wonderful, warming flavors that are perfect for the colder months.

5. Prepare the Fruit: Peel the apple and pear, then chop them into small cubes. This will help them cook evenly and distribute throughout the cake. Add the chopped fruits into the batter and mix gently to combine.

6. Add the Nuts and Raisins: Take 30g of the chopped mixed nuts and fold them into the batter. Then, add one-third of the soaked raisins to the mixture. Give everything a final stir, ensuring the fruits, nuts, and raisins are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), ensuring it’s set to a static (conventional) heat. Line a 30×19 cm rectangular baking pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Use a spatula to smooth the surface and level it out. Sprinkle the remaining 30g of chopped nuts and half of the soaked raisins over the top of the cake for added texture.

8. Drizzle with Honey: Take the honey and drizzle it evenly over the surface of the cake. This will give the cake a lovely sweetness and a glossy finish after baking.

9. Bake and Finish: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, cover the cake with a piece of aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. This will ensure the cake stays moist and cooks through completely.

10. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

This Winter Cake is a perfect dessert for gatherings, holiday meals, or simply a cozy afternoon treat. The combination of warm spices, sweet fruit, and crunchy nuts offers a comforting and satisfying dessert that’s ideal for the season. Serve it with a warm cup of tea or a hot chocolate for the ultimate winter indulgence.

Tips:

• For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
• Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like dried apricots or cranberries to customize the cake to your taste.
• This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for parties or gatherings.

Enjoy this delicious and aromatic Winter Cake with your loved ones and embrace the warmth it brings to the season!