The holiday season is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and classic Claxton fruit cake? This fruit cake is a traditional Southern treat that has been loved for generations. It's made with a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, all mixed together to create a rich and flavorful cake. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the simple steps of making this classic dessert, along with some helpful tips and precautions.
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| Delicious Claxton Fruit Cake |
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
- 1 cup of candied cherries, chopped
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1 cup of chopped dates
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) cake pan or a loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract.
6. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
7. Fold in the pecans, candied cherries, raisins, and dates.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Precautions:
- Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Make sure to chop the fruit and nuts into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the cake.
- If your cake is browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.
Nutritional Value:
Serving size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 387
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 69mg
Sodium: 144mg
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 45g
Protein: 5g
Goes well with:
Claxton fruit cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, but it's especially delicious when paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee. It's also great served with a dollop of whipped cream, ice cream, or even a cheese plate.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this cake up to a week in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
Q: Can I substitute the dried fruit and nuts for other ingredients?
A: Yes, you can use any combination of dried fruit and nuts that you prefer. Just make sure to keep the proportions similar to the recipe to ensure the best results.
In conclusion, this Claxton fruit cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves classic Southern desserts. It's easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. With the helpful tips and precautions we've provided, you'll be able to make a perfect fruit cake every time. So, go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!