Mixed Fruit Pound Cake: A Delightful, Easy-to-Make Treat

When it comes to cakes, few recipes are as beloved as the Mixed Fruit Pound Cake. This moist, rich, and slightly crumbly cake is packed with the vibrant colors and flavors of dried fruits, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced home cook, this recipe is easy to follow and yields incredible results. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also perfect for festive gatherings, tea-time treats, or as a simple dessert after dinner.

Why Mixed Fruit Pound Cake?

Mixed fruit pound cake offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, thanks to the combination of a buttery cake base and the variety of dried fruits. The contrast between the tender crumb and the chewy bits of fruit creates a satisfying bite. This cake also stores well, making it an excellent option for gifting or keeping on hand for whenever you need a sweet treat.

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Mixed Fruit Pound Cake

Before we dive into the step-by-step recipe, let’s explore some of the key ingredients that will make your cake truly exceptional:

Butter: Pound cake traditionally gets its rich, dense texture from butter. Using high-quality butter is essential for achieving the right flavor and texture.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is used to sweeten the cake. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture to the cake, creating that iconic pound cake crumb.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this cake, giving it the strength needed to hold the mixed fruits.
Mixed Dried Fruits: A combination of dried fruits, such as raisins, cranberries, currants, and candied citrus peel, adds bursts of flavor and texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and a sweet aroma that complements the dried fruits.

Now that you know what’s needed to make this incredible cake, let’s dive into the recipe.

Mixed Fruit Pound Cake Recipe

Servings: 8-10 slices

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Baking time: 60-70 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, currants, candied orange peel)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for tossing the dried fruits)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the mixed fruits: In a small bowl, toss the dried fruits with 2 tablespoons of flour. This helps prevent the fruits from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process usually takes 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
Add the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Sift the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
Fold in the mixed fruits: Gently fold the floured dried fruits into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a dense cake.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan: Smooth the top with a spatula and give the pan a light tap on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Bake the cake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil during the last 20 minutes of baking.
Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, slice the cake and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee. This cake also pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Best Mixed Fruit Pound Cake

Use room temperature ingredients: To achieve the perfect texture, make sure all your ingredients (butter, eggs, milk) are at room temperature. This allows them to blend together smoothly, resulting in a cake with a tender crumb.
Toss the fruits in flour: Tossing the dried fruits in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. This ensures an even distribution of fruits throughout the cake.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a tough, dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Store properly: This pound cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown for one slice of mixed fruit pound cake:

Calories: 320
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 5g

This cake is a rich and indulgent treat, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking for a comforting snack, this Mixed Fruit Pound Cake is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit any occasion. You can switch up the dried fruits based on what you have on hand or add in some chopped nuts for extra crunch. The cake’s moist texture and fruity flavor make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Conclusion

This Mixed Fruit Pound Cake recipe is not only easy to follow but also incredibly rewarding. The rich, buttery base combined with the tart and sweet mixed fruits creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. Make this cake your go-to recipe for celebrations or everyday indulgence, and you won’t be disappointed!