Best 3 Japanese Fruitcake Recipes

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**Japanese Fruitcake: A Festive Delight for All Occasions**

Indulge in the rich flavors and unique textures of Japanese fruitcake, a delightful confection that combines the best of Eastern and Western baking traditions. With its moist, fluffy texture, vibrant colors, and explosion of fruity flavors, this special cake is a true feast for the senses. Discover the secrets behind this beloved treat and embark on a culinary journey to create your own unforgettable Japanese fruitcake.

**Traditional Fruitcake with a Japanese Twist**

The Japanese fruitcake, also known as "Furuitsukeku," is a reimagined version of the classic European fruitcake. While it shares similar ingredients and techniques, it stands out with its distinct Japanese flair. This cake boasts a lighter, softer crumb, thanks to the use of airy sponge cake as its base. The combination of dried fruits, nuts, and candied citrus adds a delightful symphony of textures and flavors, while the delicate glaze imparts a glossy finish and a touch of sweetness.

**Variations to Suit Every Taste**

Our collection of Japanese fruitcake recipes offers a diverse range of flavors and styles to suit every palate. From the classic fruit-studded version to the decadent chocolate fruitcake, and even a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions, there's a recipe here to satisfy everyone's cravings.

**Classic Japanese Fruitcake: The Original Delight**

This timeless recipe embodies the essence of Japanese fruitcake. A moist sponge cake base studded with an assortment of dried fruits, nuts, and candied citrus, all enveloped in a sweet glaze. The perfect balance of flavors and textures makes this cake a true crowd-pleaser.

**Chocolate Fruitcake: A Rich and Decadent Twist**

For those who love chocolate, this recipe takes the Japanese fruitcake to a whole new level. A rich chocolate sponge cake base is complemented by an array of dried fruits, nuts, and candied citrus, all coated in a luscious chocolate glaze. The result is a decadent treat that is sure to impress.

**Gluten-Free Japanese Fruitcake: A Delight for All**

This recipe caters to those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Using a combination of gluten-free flour and other gluten-free ingredients, this cake delivers the same delicious flavors and textures of a traditional Japanese fruitcake without compromising on taste or quality.

**Tips and Tricks for Perfect Fruitcake**

Ensure your fruitcake achieves perfection with our expert tips and tricks. Discover the secrets to achieving a moist and fluffy crumb, the best way to incorporate the fruits and nuts, and the ideal baking temperature and time. Plus, learn how to store your fruitcake properly to maintain its freshness and flavors for longer.

Embark on your Japanese fruitcake-making adventure today and experience the joy of creating this delightful treat. With our comprehensive recipes, variations, and expert guidance, you'll be able to impress your friends and family with a homemade Japanese fruitcake that is sure to become a cherished tradition.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

NANA'S JAPANESE FRUITCAKE



Nana's Japanese Fruitcake image

This twist on fruitcake will appeal to fruitcake lovers and haters alike.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
Unsalted butter for pans and parchment
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons allspice
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup pure vegetable shortening
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 pineapple, peeled, cored, finely chopped to equal one pound
4 navel oranges, peel and pith removed, segmented
2 coconuts, grated, or 3 cups unsweetened flaked coconut
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 recipe Seven-Minute Frosting
1 recipe Candied Orange Zest for Japanese Fruitcake

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees with racks placed in center. Spread nuts on a baking pan. Bake until fragrant, about 7 minutes. Transfer nuts to a bowl; set aside to cool.
  • Line the bottoms of three 8-by-2-inch buttered cake pans with parchment paper, and butter the parchment. Dust the bottoms and sides of pan with flour, and tap out any excess. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Finely chop the raisins, and combine with the cinnamon and allspice. Set aside.
  • With an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the sugar and shortening on medium speed until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. On low speed, add the flour mixture and the milk to the batter, alternating between the two, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
  • Fold the reserved raisin mixture into one-third of the batter. Pour batter into one cake pan. Stir the reserved toasted walnuts into the remaining batter. Divide batter between two remaining cake pans. Bake, rotating pans for even baking if necessary, until a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Transfer to cooling racks to cool, and invert cakes onto cooling rack. Allow to cool completely.
  • Combine the pineapple, oranges, 2 cups coconut, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring filling to a boil over high heat, stirring. Reduce to a simmer, and let cook, stirring often, until thickened, about 20 minutes. Whisk the cornstarch into 1/4 cup warm water. Stir into filling. Continue to cook until thick, 6 minutes. Let cool before using.
  • Place one walnut layer top-side down on the serving plate. Top with half of the filling. Place the raisin layer, top-side up, securely on top, press down lightly. Using an offset spatula, go around the layers to press filling between layers. Top with remaining filling. Place remaining walnut layer on top, top-side up. Press down with hands. Using the offset spatula, go around layers again to ensure filling is securely between layers. Frost the sides of the cake first, using an offset spatula. Finish icing the top of the cake. Decorate top of cake with drained candied orange zest and remaining coconut. Serve.

JAPANESE FRUITCAKE



Japanese Fruitcake image

This recipe was given to me by my grandmother, now deceased. It is at least 40 years old.

Provided by Darlene Coleman

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian     Japanese

Time 55m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 pound raisins
1 cup butter
2 cups white sugar
6 eggs, separated
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup milk
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups white sugar
1 ½ cups hot water
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 lemon -- peeled, seeded and minced
2 large orange, peeled, sectioned, and cut into bite-size
1 pound flaked coconut
1 cup pecan halves
1 cup maraschino cherries, halved

Steps:

  • Dedge the raisins in 1 cup flour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter and flour two 9 inch round pans.
  • Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the butter or margarine and sugar; add egg yolks, and beat until smooth. Mix in flour mixture in parts alternately with milk. Stir in coconut, pecans, and raisins.
  • In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter, and then pour batter into prepared pans.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, or until done. Cool layers on wire racks.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, flour, lemon and orange. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Stir in coconut and cook for 2 minutes. Allow to cool, and then ice cake. Alternate pecan halves and maraschino cherries halves around top of cake to form a pinwheel.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1076.7 calories, Carbohydrate 166.7 g, Cholesterol 135.3 mg, Fat 44.4 g, Fiber 10 g, Protein 13 g, SaturatedFat 23.7 g, Sodium 446.1 mg, Sugar 110.2 g

JAPANESE FRUITCAKE



Japanese Fruitcake image

Provided by Craig Claiborne

Categories     dessert

Time 1h

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1/2 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus butter for greasing pans
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, plus flour for dusting pans
2 cups sugar
4 large or 5 small eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 cup dark raisins
3/4 cup pecans
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
3 cups grated fresh or canned coconut
2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Butter insides of 2 9-inch layer cake pans. Sprinkle with flour and shake out excess.
  • Cream together sugar and 1/2 pound of butter in mixing bowl until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Sift together 3 1/3 cups flour and baking powder and add mixture to batter alternately with milk and vanilla.
  • Spoon and scrape half batter into one of prepared pans and smooth over top with spatula. Set aside.
  • To remaining batter add allspice, cinnamon and cloves.
  • Chop raisins and pecans and add them. Blend well. Spoon and scrape mixture into second pan. Smooth over top. Place in oven and bake 25 to 35 minutes or until straw inserted into center comes out clean. White cake will cook faster than fruit-and-nut cake.
  • Remove layers from oven and let cool on rack about 5 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack and let stand until completely cool.
  • To prepare filling, combine 1 cup of water, lemon juice, lemon rind, 2 cups of coconut and sugar in saucepan. Bring to a boil.
  • Combine cornstarch with the remaining 1/2 cup of water. Blend well and stir this into sauce. Cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture mounds or lumps when dropped from spoon (the temperature should be 205 to 210 degrees). Let cool.
  • Place fruit-and-nut cake on cake plate and frost the top. Top this with white cake. Frost cake, top and sides. Sprinkle remaining coconut over the cake. The cake may be served immediately but is best if left to stand a day or so.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 734, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 110 grams, Fat 31 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 19 grams, Sodium 83 milligrams, Sugar 75 grams, TransFat 1 gram

Tips:

  • Choose ripe, high-quality fruits for the best flavor.
  • Soak the fruits in brandy or rum for at least 24 hours before using to plump them up and add flavor.
  • Use a variety of fruits for a more complex flavor.
  • Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.
  • Bake the cake in a slow oven to prevent it from drying out.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it.
  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Japanese fruitcake is a delicious and festive cake to enjoy during the holidays. With its moist, flavorful crumb and colorful fruits, it's sure to be a hit with everyone. So next time you're looking for a special dessert, give this Japanese fruitcake a try.

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