Nutty Pineapple Tutti Frutti Cake (White Fruitcake) Recipe
This Nutty Pineapple Tutti Frutti Cake is a delightful twist on the classic fruitcake, perfect for any occasion. With its blend of mixed nuts, preserved pineapple, and tutti frutti, this cake offers a sweet, fruity, and nutty experience that everyone will love. Whether served as a snack with tea or at a celebration, it’s sure to be a hit with its light, fluffy texture and rich flavors.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2-1/2 cups (or use self-raising flour) |
| Baking Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1 cup (adjust for sweeter taste, especially for kids or sweet-tooth lovers) |
| Butter (or cooking oil) | 1 cup |
| Whole Eggs | 4 eggs |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Tutti Frutti | 1 cup (soaked in water for 20 minutes) |
| Mixed Nuts (Almonds & Pistachios) | 1/2 cup |
| Preserved Pineapple | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1/3 cup |
| Vanilla Extract (or vanilla bean paste) | 1/2 teaspoon or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 14g
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan
Start by preparing your baking pan. You can use an 8-inch square pan, a 9-inch round pan, or even a loaf pan for larger slices. Grease the pan with butter or oil and lightly dust it with 1 tablespoon of flour. This step ensures that the cake will come out of the pan smoothly.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) to get it ready for baking.
3. Sift the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift the all-purpose flour with the baking powder and salt. Remember to set aside 2 tablespoons of flour for later use. This will help to coat the fruits and nuts to prevent them from sinking in the cake batter.
4. Prepare the Fruits and Nuts
In another bowl, place the tutti frutti, mixed nuts, and preserved pineapple. Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of flour over these ingredients and toss them gently to coat evenly. This step ensures the fruits and nuts stay distributed throughout the cake batter and do not sink to the bottom while baking.
5. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter (or cooking oil) and sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is a crucial step to ensure a light and airy texture in your cake.
6. Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. This will help incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a soft, fluffy cake. After adding all the eggs, mix in the vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste) for added flavor.
7. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring the ingredients together. Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix to preserve the air incorporated into the batter.
8. Incorporate the Fruits and Nuts
Add the prepared fruits and nuts into the batter, folding them in gently using the same spatula. Mix until evenly combined, ensuring that the fruits and nuts are distributed throughout the batter.
9. Adjust the Consistency
If the batter feels too dry or thick, add the milk a little at a time. The batter should be thick but not stiff, making it easy to spoon into the pan.
10. Bake the Cake
Once everything is well combined, pour the batter into your prepared pan. Gently tap the pan on the countertop to remove any trapped air bubbles. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes (1-1/2 hours) or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
11. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool for about 30 minutes before removing it from the pan. This will ensure the cake sets properly and doesn’t break apart. Once cooled, slice and serve.
How to Serve:
This Nutty Pineapple Tutti Frutti Cake is best enjoyed with a warm cup of tea. Serve it alongside a homemade chai ka masala tea or for an added touch, pair it with Indian-style jeera biscuits. The slight crunch of the nuts combined with the sweet fruits creates a delightful flavor profile perfect for snack time or as part of a festive meal.
Tips for the Perfect Cake:
- Storage: To keep the cake fresh for longer, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will preserve its moisture and flavor.
- Customizing: You can swap out the mixed nuts for your favorite variety, or add dried fruits like raisins or sultanas for an extra fruity twist.
- Make It Ahead: This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Make it a day in advance for even better results.
This recipe serves 20 people, making it perfect for gatherings or large family celebrations. It’s an eggetarian-friendly, continental-style cake that’s a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. Happy baking and enjoy your Nutty Pineapple Tutti Frutti Cake!
