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Chef Ava

Old-Fashioned Candied Fruit Cake

This buttery Old-Fashioned Candied Fruit Cake is filled with colorful candied fruit and a hint of vanilla, bringing the sweet, nostalgic taste of homemade baking to every slice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 330
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 cup candied fruit such as orange peel, cherries, and pineapple
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • zest of 1 lemon optional
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tablespoon flour for coating the candied fruit

Equipment

  • 8-inch square baking pan Greased and lightly floured.
  • electric mixer For creaming the butter and sugar.
  • wire rack For cooling the cake completely.

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour an 8-inch square baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy and pale.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest, if using.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until the batter is smooth, taking care not to overmix.
  6. Toss the candied fruit with 1 tablespoon of flour to help prevent it from sinking. Gently fold the fruit into the batter.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Toss the candied fruit with 1 tablespoon of flour so it does not sink in the batter. Mix gently and avoid overmixing. The cake is done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing.