English Cake (similar To A White Fruit Cake) Recipe

History of English Cake:

English cake, also known as White Fruit Cake, is a traditional British dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the late 18th or early 19th century and has since become a staple in British households, particularly during special occasions such as weddings and Christmas.

The recipe for English cake has evolved over time, but its basic ingredients remain the same. It is a rich and dense cake made with eggs, sugar, flour, dried fruits, nuts, and butter. The addition of brandy or other spirits adds a delightful kick to the cake and enhances its flavor.

Fun Facts:

- English cake is often called "White Fruit Cake" due to its light-colored appearance compared to traditional fruit cakes, which are darker in color.

- The use of dried fruits like raisins and currants in English cake was popularized in the 19th century when ingredients like exotic spices and preserved fruits became more readily available in England.

- The tradition of serving English cake at weddings dates back to the Victorian era, where it was considered a symbol of good luck and fertility.

- In some parts of England, English cake is also known as "Rich Cake" or "Christmas Cake" due to its association with the festive season.

Recipe for English Cake:

Ingredients:
- 5 eggs
- The weight of 5 eggs in sugar
- The weight of 4 eggs in flour
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup currants
- The weight of 3 eggs in butter
- 1/2 teaspoonful baking powder
- 2 tablespoonfuls of brandy
- 1/2 cup finely shaved citron
- 1/2 cup English walnut or shellbark meats
- Small quantity of candied orange and lemon peel

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake tin with butter or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy and pale yellow. Gradually add the sugar, beating well after each addition until the mixture becomes light and creamy.

3. Sift the flour and baking powder together. Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, ensuring it is well incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, combine the raisins, currants, citron, candied orange and lemon peel. Toss them with a small amount of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake while baking.

5. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, let it cool slightly before adding it to the cake batter. Mix well to ensure the butter is evenly distributed.

6. Add the brandy to the cake batter and mix until combined. Then, fold in the dried fruit mixture and walnut or shellbark meats.

7. Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once the cake has cooled, you can decorate it with icing or simply dust it with powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy!

Similar Recipes:

If you're looking for similar recipes, there are a few variations of fruit cakes that you might enjoy:

1. Traditional Fruit Cake: This is a darker, richer version of the English cake. It usually contains a mix of dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, sultanas, and candied peel, soaked in alcohol for weeks or even months before baking.

2. Dundee Cake: A Scottish variation of fruit cake, Dundee cake is made with almonds, currants, and sometimes orange zest. It has a more crumbly texture and is often topped with whole almonds.

3. Italian Panettone: A light and fluffy fruit cake traditionally enjoyed during Christmas in Italy. It is typically filled with dried fruits, such as raisins and candied orange peel, and has a dome-shaped appearance.

4. German Stollen: Stollen is a yeast-based fruit bread eaten during the Christmas season in Germany. It is enriched with butter, dried fruits, and marzipan, and dusted with powdered sugar.

These variations offer a delightful range of flavors and textures, each with its own cultural significance. Experimenting with different fruit cakes can be a fun way to explore different traditions and add a touch of sweetness to your celebrations.

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