Nutty Dried Fruit Delight
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of our Nutty Dried Fruit Delight, inspired by Alice Medrich's 'Pure Dessert.' This delectable cake marries a medley of high-quality, natural dried fruits with an abundance of crunchy nuts, bound together with a hint of flour and fresh eggs. It’s remarkably easy to make, requiring minimal steps, and yields a cake that's not only a delightful snack but also a wonderful complement to any cheese platter, adding a touch of elegance. Feel free to customize the dried fruits based on your preference—whether you choose succulent figs, sweet dates, tangy apricots, or luscious cherries, the result will be a show-stopping treat that's as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfect for gatherings or as a simple indulgence for yourself!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
3/4 cup (Measured)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Measured)
Baking powder
1/4 teaspoon (Measured)
Baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (Measured)
Brown sugar
3/4 cup (Firmly packed)
Dried fruit mix (figs, dates, apricots, etc.)
3 cups (Coarsely chopped)
Walnut halves
1 1/2 cups (Whole or broken pieces)
Pecan halves
1 1/2 cups (Whole or broken pieces)
Large eggs
3 (Beaten)
Pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Measured)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and position an oven rack in the lower third. Prepare one large 9 x 5 inch loaf pan or two smaller 8 x 4 inch loaf pans by lining the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of leavening agents.
3
Add the firmly packed brown sugar, coarsely chopped dried fruits of your choice, and walnut and pecan halves to the flour mixture. Use your fingers to mix and break up any clumps, ensuring everything is evenly coated and distributed.
4
In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs along with the pure vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and frothy.
5
Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or your hands, mixing well until all the fruits and nuts are thoroughly coated with the batter. Ensure there are no dry spots left.
6
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan(s), spreading it out evenly.
7
Bake the cake in the preheated oven until the top turns a deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This should take about 1 hour for smaller loaves and 10-15 minutes longer for a large loaf. If it begins to brown too much, cover loosely with foil.
8
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan(s) on a wire rack before removing it to slice.
9
Once cooled, carefully remove the cake from the pan(s). Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap for storage. The cake will keep at room temperature for several weeks or can be refrigerated for at least 3 months. It also freezes beautifully for up to 6 months.
10
To serve, use a sharp, heavy knife to cut the cake into thin slices for the best texture.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
23g
Carbs
5g
Protein
2g
Fiber
9g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nutty Dried Fruit Delight?
Nutty Dried Fruit Delight is an exquisite cake inspired by Alice Medrich's 'Pure Dessert,' featuring a medley of high-quality dried fruits and crunchy nuts bound together with a hint of flour and eggs.
Whose work inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Alice Medrich and her book 'Pure Dessert.'
What are the primary ingredients in this cake?
The cake is made with all-purpose flour, brown sugar, a variety of dried fruits, walnut halves, pecan halves, large eggs, and pure vanilla extract.
What types of dried fruits are recommended for this recipe?
You can customize the cake with your choice of dried fruits, such as succulent figs, sweet dates, tangy apricots, or luscious cherries.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The oven rack should be positioned in the lower third of the oven.
How should I prepare the baking pans?
Prepare either one large 9 x 5 inch loaf pan or two smaller 8 x 4 inch loaf pans by lining the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
How do I prepare the dry flour mixture?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda, ensuring an even distribution of leavening agents.
How do I incorporate the sugar and fruit?
Add the firmly packed brown sugar, coarsely chopped dried fruits, and nut halves to the flour mixture, using your fingers to break up any clumps.
How should the eggs be prepared?
In a separate small bowl, beat the three large eggs with the pure vanilla extract until the mixture is light and frothy.
What is the proper technique for mixing the batter?
Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon or your hands until all fruits and nuts are thoroughly coated.
How long does the cake take to bake?
It takes about 1 hour for smaller loaves and an additional 10-15 minutes for a large 9 x 5 inch loaf.
How can I tell when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when the top turns a deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What should I do if the cake browns too quickly?
If the cake begins to brown too much during baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Does the cake need to cool before slicing?
Yes, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before removing it to slice.
What is the best way to store Nutty Dried Fruit Delight?
Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in foil or plastic wrap for storage.
How long does this cake last at room temperature?
The cake will keep at room temperature for several weeks.
Can this cake be refrigerated?
Yes, the cake can be refrigerated for at least 3 months.
Is Nutty Dried Fruit Delight freezer-friendly?
Yes, the cake freezes beautifully for up to 6 months.
How should the cake be sliced for the best texture?
Use a sharp, heavy knife to cut the cake into thin slices.
What are some serving suggestions for this cake?
It serves as a delightful snack or an elegant complement to a cheese platter.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 200 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 9g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 23g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does the cake provide?
Each serving provides 5g of protein.
How much fiber is in the cake?
There is 2g of fiber per serving.
What is the sugar content of the recipe?
The cake contains 9g of sugar per serving.
Are the nuts chopped or whole?
The recipe calls for walnut and pecan halves, which can be used as whole halves or broken pieces.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires a total of 10 ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is remarkably easy to make and requires minimal steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.