Nutty Pineapple Tutti Frutti Cake (White Fruitcake) Recipe
Description:
The Nutty Pineapple Tutti Frutti Cake is a delightful tea-time treat that stands out with its vibrant burst of flavors and textures. This light-colored, egg-based fruitcake is packed with tutti frutti, preserved pineapple bits, and a generous mix of almonds and pistachios. Unlike traditional yellow fruitcakes, this white fruitcake offers a refreshing contrast, making it a visually appealing dessert. The blend of sweet and savory fruits, combined with crunchy nuts, creates a cake that’s sure to become a favorite. Perfect for a cozy tea party or a festive occasion, this cake is bound to be requested time and again.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Snack
Diet: Eggetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2-1/2 cups (or self-raising flour) |
| Baking Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1 cup (adjust more for a sweeter cake) |
| Butter (Salted) | 1 cup (or cooking oil) |
| Whole Eggs | 4 |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Tutti Frutti | 1 cup (soaked in water for 20 minutes) |
| Mixed Nuts (Almonds & Pistachios) | 1/2 cup |
| Canned Pineapple (Preserved & Tinned) | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1/3 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1/2 teaspoon (or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste) |
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
90 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pan:
Start by preparing your cake pan. You can use an 8-inch square or a 9-inch round pan. Lightly grease the pan with butter or oil, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over it. For larger slices, a loaf pan works well too. -
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking. -
Sift Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift these dry ingredients into another clean bowl, making sure to remove any lumps. -
Coat the Fruits and Nuts:
Place the tutti frutti, mixed nuts (almonds and pistachios), and canned pineapple into a separate bowl. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour to this bowl and mix everything together well. This ensures that the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the cake batter and prevents them from sinking to the bottom. -
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the butter (or oil) and sugar. Use an electric hand mixer to beat the mixture until it’s smooth, creamy, and light. -
Add the Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste) and beat again to mix. -
Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Take the bowls of fruit and flour and gradually fold them into the egg mixture. Use a spatula to gently mix the ingredients in an up-and-down motion, ensuring maximum air is incorporated into the batter. Be careful not to deflate the mixture. -
Adjust the Consistency:
If the batter appears too dry, add milk to adjust the consistency. The mixture should be thick but not stiff, and it should be easily spoonable. -
Pour the Batter into the Pan:
Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared pan. Gently tap the pan on the kitchen countertop to release any air bubbles and level the batter. -
Bake the Cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 90 minutes (or 1-1/2 hours) at 150°C. The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake in the final stages of baking to avoid over-browning. -
Cool and Remove:
Once the cake is fully baked, allow it to cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Afterward, gently remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. -
Serve:
Slice the Nutty Pineapple Tutti Frutti Cake and serve it alongside piping hot tea made with your favorite chai masala. For an extra touch, pair it with homemade Indian-style Jeera Biscuit for a perfect snack combo.
Notes:
- For a sweeter cake, especially if serving it to children or a crowd with a sweet tooth, you can increase the sugar quantity slightly.
- Feel free to get creative by adding other fruits or nuts of your choice, like raisins or cashews, to make this cake even more personalized.
- This cake is perfect for tea parties or as a festive treat for any occasion. Its light texture and delightful flavors will leave everyone asking for more!
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy with this irresistible Nutty Pineapple Tutti Frutti Cake!
