Dried Apple Fruit Cake. Mrs. W. H. Eckhart. Recipe
Dried Apple Fruit Cake Recipe
History:
The Dried Apple Fruit Cake is a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations. It was originally popularized by Mrs. W. H. Eckhart, who discovered the delicious combination of dried apples, molasses, and spices. This cake became a favorite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when dried fruits were more readily available than fresh ones. It was an economical and practical way to enjoy a moist and flavorful fruit cake all year round.
Fun Facts:
- Dried fruits have been used for centuries as a way to preserve fruit when fresh supplies were scarce.
- The tradition of fruit cakes goes back to ancient Roman times when they were often served at special occasions and celebrations.
- The addition of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg not only enhances the flavor but also adds a comforting warmth to the cake.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of dried apples
- 3 cups of baking molasses
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of butter
- 3 eggs
- 4 cups of flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons of ground cloves
- 1 grated nutmeg
- 2 cups of raisins
- 1 cup of citron (cut fine)
- 1 pound of figs (chopped)
Instructions:
1. Start by soaking the dried apples in water overnight. This helps to rehydrate them and make them soft for chopping.
2. After soaking, drain the apples and chop them into fine pieces. This will ensure that the apple flavor is evenly distributed throughout the cake.
3. In a large pot, combine the chopped dried apples and baking molasses. Cook the mixture slowly over low heat for about three hours, stirring often to prevent sticking. This slow cooking helps to release the natural sweetness of the apples and infuse the molasses flavor.
4. Once cooked, let the apple mixture cool overnight. This allows the flavors to blend and develop further.
5. Preheat the oven to the desired temperature for baking.
6. In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
7. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and grated nutmeg. These spices add a delightful aroma and taste to the cake.
8. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter, sugar, and eggs mixture. Stir well to combine.
9. Now, fold in the raisins, citron, and chopped figs. These dried fruits will add texture and bursts of flavor to the cake.
10. Finally, add the cooked apples to the batter. Stir everything together until well incorporated.
11. Grease and flour a cake pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
12. Bake the fruit cake in a preheated oven for about two hours or longer, depending on your oven's temperature. It's best to bake it at a slower speed to ensure even cooking and prevent the cake from drying out.
13. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
14. Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the pan. This will prevent it from breaking apart.
15. Once cooled, you can serve the Dried Apple Fruit Cake as is or frost it with cream cheese icing for added sweetness and decoration.
Similar Recipe Dishes:
- If you enjoy fruit cakes, some other variations you might like to try include traditional Christmas fruit cake, pineapple upside-down cake with cherries, and citrus-infused fruit cake.
- For those who prefer a lighter dessert, you can experiment with different fruit combinations like blueberries, cranberries, or peaches in a classic sponge cake.
- Apple spice cake and apple cinnamon bread are other delightful options that celebrate the flavors of apples in a different form.
Enjoy baking this delicious and nostalgic Dried Apple Fruit Cake for any occasion or as a special treat for yourself and your loved ones. Let the comforting aroma of spices fill your kitchen and the rich flavors transport you to a bygone era.
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