Simple apple fruit cake
This easy apple fruit cake is the perfect treat that captures the wonderful flavors of Christmas with every bite. Not only does it offer a festive flavor, but it also requires minimal time to prepare, making it a practical choice for any occasion. Feel free to personalize the cake with your favorite decorations and let your creativity run wild. Whether you serve it during the holidays or use it as an alternative to wedding cake, this recipe guarantees a delicious and hassle-free experience.
Ingredients
- 200g butter, softened and a little butter for greasing
- 200g dark muscovado sugar
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1 tbsp black treacle
- 200g self-raising flour
- 2 tsp spice mix
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 2 apples, grated (approx. 100g each)
- 300g mixed sultanas and raisins
Preparation steps
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas 4.
- Grease with butter and line the bottom of a deep, round 20cm cake tin with baking paper.
- Mix the first seven ingredients in a large bowl (electric hand mixers are best suited for this) until the mixture is light and thick.
- Using a large metal spoon, gently fold in the fruit until evenly mixed.
- Pour the dough into the mold.
- Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour or until the cake is dark golden, springy to the touch and has shrunk slightly from the pan.
- A skewer inserted into the center comes out clean when ready.
- Allow to cool completely before decorating.
- Store in an airtight container or with ice for up to a week, or can be frozen without ice for up to a month – thaw completely before decorating.
Nutritional Information
Equipment and tools
- mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cake pan (approx. 20 cm diameter)
- parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Allergen information
This recipe contains the following allergens:
- Dairy products (butter)
- Eggs
- Gluten (self-raising flour)
Please ensure that all ingredients used are suitable for your dietary needs.
Storage and leftovers
To store the apple fruit cake, allow it to cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If there are any leftovers, you can freeze the cake for longer storage. Simply wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
If you want to enjoy the leftover cake, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, you can also warm the slices briefly in the microwave or oven.
The Health Benefits of Easy Apple Fruit Cake
If you’re a fan of moist, delicious cakes that also pack a hint of heat and fruity flavors, then Easy Apple Fruit Cake might be just the thing for you. But did you know that this delicious dessert also offers numerous health benefits? Let’s explore the different ingredients and find out how they contribute to your well-being.
1. Butter
This recipe requires 200g of soft butter. Although butter is often considered high in fat, it does offer several health benefits. Butter is a great source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining good vision, a healthy immune system, and overall skin health. In addition, it contains healthy fatty acids such as butyrate, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Dark Muscovado Sugar
The 200g of dark muscovado sugar used in Easy Apple Fruit Cake not only adds sweetness but also brings certain health benefits. Unlike refined white sugar, dark muscovado sugar is less processed and retains some of its natural molasses content. This means it contains more minerals like calcium, potassium and iron, making it a slightly healthier option.
3 eggs
Three eggs are beaten into the cake batter, giving it a rich, smooth texture. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and contain all the essential amino acids our bodies need. They are also a good source of vitamins D, B12 and selenium, which each play important roles in immune function, bone health and thyroid function. Additionally, eggs are known to increase satiety, making them a satisfying addition to this apple fruit cake recipe.
4. Black treacle
A tablespoon of black syrup adds a subtle richness to the cake flavor. Syrup is made from sugarcane syrup and is a good source of essential minerals such as iron, magnesium and potassium. These minerals play a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure, supporting the nervous system and muscle function.
5. Self-rising flour, spice mix and baking powder
The combination of 200 g self-rising flour, 2 teaspoons of spice mixture and 1 teaspoon of baking powder creates a light, delicious cake base. Although these ingredients do not have any particular health benefits, using self-raising flour can help reduce the overall calorie content of the cake compared to using plain flour and separate raising agents.
6. Eat apples
The star of this fruit cake recipe is undoubtedly the two grated apples. Apples are a nutritional powerhouse, providing essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. They are particularly rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function, collagen production and antioxidant activity. Apples also contain soluble fiber, which may help improve heart health and regulate blood sugar levels.
7. Mixed sultanas and raisins
To enhance the fruity taste and texture, 300g of mixed sultanas and raisins are added to the cake. These dried fruits are rich in natural sugars, but also contain important minerals such as potassium and iron. They are also rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain regular bowel movements.
So next time you treat yourself to a slice of Easy Apple Fruit Cake, you can not only enjoy the incredible taste, but also the wonderful health benefits that these ingredients offer. Have fun baking!
