🍰 Nan’s Best Dark Fruitcake Recipe
⏰ Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
⏰ Prep Time: 30 minutes
⏰ Cook Time: 2 hours
✨ Description: Indulge in the rich flavors of Nan’s Best Dark Fruitcake, a delightful dessert perfect for Christmas or gatherings. This recipe, brought to you by lovewithrecipes.com, promises a moist and flavorful treat that will leave your taste buds singing with joy.
🍇 Ingredients:
- 3 cups seedless raisins
- 3 cups sultana raisins
- 1 cup dates
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mace
- 1 cup shortening
- 1/4 cup dark rum (plus 1/4 cup for later)
- 1 cup eggs (approximately 6 eggs)
- 1/4 cup molasses
🌟 Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
📝 Review Count: 1
🔥 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 slice):
- Calories: 179.9
- Fat: 6.2g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Cholesterol: 25.4mg
- Sodium: 62.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 28.4g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugar: 19.9g
- Protein: 2.2g
👩🍳 Recipe Instructions:
- Start by creating a flavorful base: Pour 3/4 cup of dark rum over the chopped fruit and nuts. Let it soak for at least 48 hours, stirring occasionally for that extra infusion of goodness.
- Save some of that rum for later – it’s a secret ingredient for after baking!
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, and spices. Set this aromatic mixture aside.
- In another bowl, work magic with shortening and brown sugar until it becomes a fluffy symphony.
- Gradually add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated.
- Introduce molasses and jam into the mix, blending them in seamlessly.
- Now, gently fold in the previously prepared dry ingredients and the soaked fruit. Your batter is a masterpiece in the making!
- Prepare your round fruit cake pan by generously oiling and lining it with paper. Ensure the paper extends about an inch above the pan’s top.
- Fill the prepared pans about 2/3 full, creating the canvas for your culinary creation.
- Bake in a slow oven at 300°F for approximately 2 hours, infusing the kitchen with irresistible aromas. Place a shallow pan of hot water on the bottom rack during baking to keep the cake moist. Remove it in the last hour of baking.
- Let your masterpiece cool completely before removing the paper – patience is the key to perfection.
- For the ultimate flavor, it’s time to indulge in the art of storing and mellowing: Soak a cheesecloth in the remaining 1/4 cup of rum and wrap it around the cake, ensuring complete coverage.
- Further cocoon the cake and cheesecloth in aluminum foil, creating a flavor haven.
- Store your creation in a cool place. The taste reaches its zenith after about 4 weeks!
- Here’s a pro tip: Brush egg white over the cake, roll out almond paste, and lay it over the top and sides before icing for an elevated culinary experience. Your guests will rave about it!
🎂 Yield and Serving:
- Servings: 50 slices (approximately)
- Yield: Depends on your slicing generosity!
🌈 Enjoy the Delightful Journey!
Nan’s Best Dark Fruitcake is not just a recipe; it’s a culinary journey filled with love, warmth, and delightful flavors. Share this creation with friends and family, and let the joy of baking bring smiles to every gathering. Happy baking! 🌟🎂
