Grandmother's Fruit Cake (baked For Mary's Wedding) Recipe

The Grandmother's Fruit Cake is a time-honored recipe that has been baked for special occasions such as weddings for many generations. It is believed to have originated from a small town where Mary, a beloved bride, requested her grandmother's special fruit cake recipe for her wedding. This recipe has since been passed down through the family, becoming a cherished tradition.

This delicious fruit cake is made with simple yet classic ingredients. The use of 1 pound of butter gives the cake a rich and buttery flavor, while 1 pound of sugar adds sweetness. The pound of flour used ensures a moist and tender texture in every bite.

The fruit component of this cake is what makes it truly special. This recipe calls for 2 pounds each of raisins and currants. These dried fruits provide a natural sweetness and a chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the cake. In addition to the raisins and currants, a festive touch is added with 1/4 pound of thinly sliced citron, adding a refreshing citrus flavor to the cake.

To enhance the flavors further, a combination of spices is included. While the recipe does not specify the exact spices, you can use traditional options such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. These warm spices add depth and complexity to the cake, making it truly delightful.

To bind all the ingredients together, 8 eggs are added to the batter. The egg yolks provide richness, while the stiffly beaten egg whites contribute lightness and a delicate crumb. The cake batter is further enhanced with the addition of 1 tablespoonful of molasses, which adds a hint of caramel flavor.

To ensure a moist and tender cake, 1 cup of sour milk is included in the recipe. The acidity of the sour milk reacts with 1 teaspoonful of soda to help the cake rise and develop a tender crumb. This combination of ingredients creates a cake that is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with the specks of fruit peeking through the golden crumb.

To make the Grandmother's Fruit Cake, start by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, gradually add the egg yolks, sour milk, and soda, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, sift the flour and spices together and gradually add them to the wet ingredients, alternating with the stiffly beaten egg whites. Gently fold in the well-floured fruit until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Prepare the baking pans by lining the inside with well-greased heavy paper. This will help prevent the bottom of the cake from baking too hard. Divide the batter into two medium-sized pans or use a very large pan to make a single cake. Bake the cake(s) in a moderate oven for approximately two hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

One unique aspect of this recipe is that it is recommended to let the fruit cake age for at least a month before cutting into it. According to Aunt Sarah, the cake actually improves with age and can be stored for up to one year. This extended aging allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more complex and enjoyable cake.

Now that you have the recipe for Grandmother's Fruit Cake, why not try making it for a special occasion or as a delightful treat for yourself? This cake is perfect for weddings, birthdays, or holiday gatherings and is sure to impress your friends and family with its delicious flavors and rich history.

If you enjoy this fruit cake recipe, you may also be interested in exploring other traditional fruit-based desserts. Fruitcakes, such as the famous English Christmas cake or Italian Panettone, share similarities with Grandmother's Fruit Cake in terms of the use of dried fruits and rich flavors. Additionally, other fruit-based cakes like apple cake or plum pudding can provide a delightful twist on classic fruit desserts.