In the realm of sweet indulgences, Swedish fruktkaka stands out as a culinary delight that beautifully blends flavors and textures. It's a far cry from the dense, heavy American fruitcake, offering a moist, crumbly texture and a burst of fruity goodness with every bite. This article unveils the secrets behind this beloved Swedish treat, presenting two enticing recipes: the classic Fruktkaka and a gluten-free variation that caters to those with dietary restrictions. Both recipes are meticulously crafted, ensuring that bakers of all skill levels can embark on this culinary journey and create a masterpiece that will impress their loved ones.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
THE BEST FRUITCAKE
Fruitcakes have become the punchline of many a holiday joke, but this recipe will give the notorious seasonal gift a whole new reputation. Filled with loads of real dried fruit and nuts along with brandy, warm spices and citrus, this cake tastes like the holidays. The recipe makes two loaves so you can gift one.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 14h30m
Yield 2 loaves
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- Combine the raisins, currants, apricots, figs, prunes, dates, walnuts, pecans, orange zest, lemon zest, candied ginger, pumpkin pie spice and cloves in a large bowl and toss to combine. Add 1 cup of the brandy, orange liqueur and molasses and stir to coat. Cover and set aside to macerate overnight. (Alternatively, cover the bowl and microwave 2 minutes, or until very hot. Leave covered and let sit until almost all the liquid has been absorbed into the fruit and nuts, about 2 hours.)
- Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Spray two 9-by-5-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray and line each with 2 pieces of parchment, one lengthwise and one crosswise, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side. Spray the parchment with cooking spray.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup flour over the soaked fruit mixture and toss to coat. Whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
- Cream the butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla. Reduce the speed to medium-low and beat in the flour mixture until the batter is blended and smooth. Pour the batter over the fruit mixture and fold with a rubber spatula until all the fruit is coated in batter.
- Divide the mixture evenly between the two prepared pans, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake until the cakes begin to pull away from the sides of the pans, the tops spring back slightly when pressed and a cake tester comes out clean, about 1 1/2 hours. Transfer to a wire rack and brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons brandy. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 15 minutes. Carefully remove each cake from its pan using the parchment overhang and place on the rack to cool completely.
- To store, wrap each loaf tightly in plastic and then foil. The wrapped fruitcakes can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
FRUKTKAKA (SWEDISH FRUITCAKE .... NOT LIKE AMERICAN FRUITCAKE)
This is a light cake, only distantly related to the dense, sticky American-style fruitcakes. Published in Saveur magazine, December 2009.
Provided by swissms
Categories Dessert
Time 40m
Yield 1 loaf, 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine the figs, apricots, raisins, rum, orange zest, and lemon zest in small bowl; cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for at least 4 hours or as long as overnight.
- Heat oven to 350°F Grease the bottom and sides of a 12 1/4" x 4 1/4" x 2 3/4" loaf pan with butter and dust all over with flour; tap out excess flour and set aside.
- Combine butter and sugar in a large bowl and beat with a handheld mixer set to medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, 1-2 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the reserved fruit-rum mixture and the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Transfer batter to prepared pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Unmold cake onto a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing.
NO-CANDIED-FRUIT FRUITCAKE
Minus the candied fruit, this traditional cake has a positively natural taste. For those who bake their Christmas giveaways ahead, it freezes beautifully, too.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 2h
Yield 2 fruitcakes.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Add pecans, cherries, pineapple and dates; toss to coat. Beat eggs and orange juice; add to fruit mixture and mix well. Line two 9x5-in. loaf pans with foil and grease the foil. Pour fruit mixture into pans and press down. Bake at 300° for 1-3/4 to 2 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans. Remove foil. Brush with corn syrup; cool completely.
Nutrition Facts :
WHITE FRUITCAKE
A nice alternative for those who don't like overly fruity and very dark spicy fruitcakes. This one is light with just enough fruit and no added spices!
Provided by Steve P.
Categories Dessert
Time 2h30m
Yield 1 Large round fruit cake or two standard loaf cakes, 16 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cream together butter, sugar, and almond extract.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add remaining dry ingredients alternately with pineapple juice.
- (Make three dry and three liquid additions, combining lightly after each).
- Add floured fruit, mix well.
- BAKING: Place batter in prepared cake pan/pans.
- Can be baked in a spring form pan, Bundt pan or 2 loaf pans.
- Bake times will vary depending on pan size chosen so time shown is only an estimate.
- You the instruction given to test for doneness.
- Put a small pan filled with water in the oven.
- (To prevent the cake from drying too much) Place pan/pans in oven.
- Bake at 275°F for 2 hours (Test to see if cake is baked by inserting a long skewer or knitting needle into cake. If the item comes out clean, the cake is cooked. If batter is attached to the item, the cake needs to bake longer.).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 458.9, Fat 25, SaturatedFat 14.2, Cholesterol 83.4, Sodium 273.2, Carbohydrate 55.1, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 33.5, Protein 7.1
OLD-FASHIONED FRESH FRUIT CAKE (SWEDISH)
I've had this recipe for many years but didn't come around to trying it until last summer and it became my favourite cake with fruit. I used peaches that time. It is made in a old-fashioned way with a sugar sprinkled top. It makes a moist but not heavy cake. Hope you will enjoy it!
Provided by MarieFromSweden
Categories Dessert
Time 1h10m
Yield 10-12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 175°C (or 350°F).
- Butter and flour a spring form pan.
- Cover the bottom with baking parchment and clip on the ring.
- Sift together flour, baking powder and vanilla into a bowl and set aside.
- Slice the fruit of your choice and toss in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
- Cream eggs and sugar until yellow and fluffy.
- Put buttermilk and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Take it of the heat.
- Pour the liquid into the egg batter and blend together.
- Stir in the flour mixture to the batter, carefully.
- Pour a little batter in the bottom of the pan just to coat it.
- Arrange the fruit slices to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the remaining batter.
- Sprinkle the top with a thin coating of sugar.
- Bake for about 50 minutes try with a stick to see if it comes out clean.
- Let it cool slightly and run a knife around the edges; open the ring and let cool completely.
- Enjoy as is or with ice cream!
Tips:
- Use a variety of dried fruits, such as raisins, cranberries, cherries, and apricots. You can also add chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
- Soak the dried fruits in warm water for 30 minutes before adding them to the batter. This will help to plump them up and make them more flavorful.
- Use a citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, to add a bright and refreshing flavor to the cake.
- Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake tough.
- Bake the cake in a well-greased and floured bundt pan. This will help to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Cool the cake completely before serving. This will help to set the flavors and make the cake easier to slice.
Conclusion:
Fruktkaka is a delicious and festive Swedish fruitcake that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The cake is moist and flavorful, with a variety of dried fruits and nuts. It is also a beautiful cake, with a golden brown crust and a dusting of powdered sugar. If you are looking for a unique and delicious fruitcake, Fruktkaka is the perfect choice.
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