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12/27/2011 National Fruit Cake Day Buttermilk Fruitcake

Source of Recipe

Stephanie Jaworski


Recipe Introduction

Though fruit cakes are certainly a delicious treat to enjoy around the holidays, they are quite possibly the most popular re-gifted item. A whopping 38 percent of people said they give fruit cakes away when they receive them! Nevertheless, fruit cakes have remained popular for thousands of years. Originating in Ancient Egypt, they were often placed inside tombs because they were believed to be essential for the journey to the afterlife. The Crusaders were also known to eat fruit cakes because they were full of nutritious items like dried fruits and nuts and could also withstand the Crusaders' long journeys. To celebrate National Fruit Cake Day, buy one at your local grocery store to share with friends

List of Ingredients

HOME COOKIN’ 12/27/2011 National Fruit Cake Day Buttermilk Fruitcake



Buttermilk Fruitcake



1 1/2 cups (200 grams) all purpose flour

1/2 cup (90 grams) packed pitted dates

2/3 cup (130 grams) granulated white sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (65 grams) currants

1/2 cup (65 grams) dark raisins

1/2 cup (65 grams) golden raisins


Recipe





Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and place the oven rack in the center of the oven. Butter and flour, or spray with a nonstick vegetable/flour spray, a 9 x 5 x 3 inch (23 x 13 x 8 cm) loaf pan.



Place about 1/2 cup (65 grams) of the flour on a cutting board. Coat the dates with the flour and coarsely chop the dates. (The flour prevents the dates from breaking down and becoming soft and mushy.)



Place all the flour and date mixture, along with the remaining 1 cup (135 grams) of flour in a large bowl. To the flour, add the sugar, salt, spices, and baking soda. Stir to combine. In a separate bowl whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir the buttermilk mixture, along with the rest of the dried fruits, into the dry ingredients, mixing well. Immediately pour into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with an offset spatula or with the back of a spoon.



Place the loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 50 - 55 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and pulling away a little from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake will come out clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Let cool for about 10 minutes before removing from pan. This cake is excellent warm from the oven or at room temperature. Can be covered and stored at room temperature, or in the refrigerator, for a few days.



Makes one - 9x5 inch loaf