Introducing a delightful dried fruit cake recipe that embodies the essence of Tu Bishvat, the festival of trees and fruits. Bursting with the natural sweetness of dried fruits and a touch of warm cinnamon, this cake is a perfect way to celebrate the occasion. With a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a delectable treat to share with loved ones.
Tu BiShvat
When Tu BiShvat is coming its time for me to share a fruitcake recipe to celebrate this lovely, fruity holiday.
During this holiday, we celebrate the New Year of the trees and consume loads and loads of fruits and vegetables that grow especially in the Holy Land--Israel. The almond trees bloom this time of year so dishes with almonds are also considered as Tu Bishvat festive foods.
The name of this holiday comes from the Hebrew date- Tu is 15 in Hebrew letters with numerical values. Shvat is the Hebrew month the holiday occurs in, so the name is actually the Jewish date of the holiday.
Another custom of this holiday is planting trees. This is a very nice tradition in my opinion as it connects us to nature and agriculture. As described in this blog post – "Tu B’Shevat is a time to celebrate the natural world by eating its bounty and planting trees."
Tu BiShvat Foods
Traditionally we eat dried fruits in Tu Bishvat and especially the 7 species mentioned in the Torah (shivat haminim) that Israel is blessed with- figs, dates, grapes, olives, wheat, barley and pomegranate. In Tu Bishvat, you want to eat new fruits or at least some of the 7 species.
Around Tu Bishvat, you can find dried fruit packages in every super market across Israel and instead of eating them as they are, I cut them and created a cake that will wow my family and honor the tradition!
Tu BiShvat Fruitcake
This easy fruitcake is also quick to make and you only need a bowl and a spoon to make it. The cake is parve (dairy free) and can be vegan too if you change the eggs to ½ cup of applesauce. The dried fruits I used in the cake are dates, figs, raisins, pineapple, apricots, coconut, cranberries and papaya. This mix is widely available in Israel around Tu BiShvat.
The recipe yields 1 loaf and you can double the ingredients for a bigger cake.
Tips for making a delicious dried fruit cake:
Quality Dried Fruits
Use high-quality dried fruits to ensure the best flavor and texture in your cake. You can mix and match your favorite dried fruits like raisins, apricots, figs, and dates for a varied flavor profile.
Mix Thoroughly
When combining the ingredients, make sure to mix them thoroughly to create a well-blended batter. You want the dried fruits and flour to be evenly distributed.
Experiment with Spices
Besides cinnamon, feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to add depth to the flavor.
Grease the Tin
Make sure to grease the loaf tin well to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also use parchment paper for easy removal.
Don't Overbake
Keep a close eye on the cake as it bakes. Overbaking can result in a dry cake, so check for doneness with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Enjoy Fresh
Dried fruit cake is best when it's fresh, so savor it on the day you bake it. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for a few days.
FAQS
Dried fruit cake is similar to traditional fruitcake, but it often contains a higher proportion of dried fruits compared to candied fruits and nuts. The focus in a dried fruit cake is on the natural flavors of the dried fruits.
Store your dried fruit cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It's best when consumed within a few days of baking. If you plan to store it for a longer period, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze it.
Yes, you can adapt the recipe to your dietary preferences. For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce or any other egg substitutes. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Dried fruit cakes are commonly enjoyed during holidays like Tu Bishvat, but they are versatile and can be served on various occasions, including as a dessert or snack.
Yes, you can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to your dried fruit cake for added texture and flavor. Mix them into the batter along with the dried fruits.
More cake recipes to try:
If you are looking for other recipes for Tu Bishvat, check out Veena's glace mixed fruit bundt cake, my almond cookie recipe or my fruit sushi recipe. They are festive and yummy too!
Bake this dried fruit cake today!
So, let's preheat the oven and embark on a journey of flavors that will fill your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy. It's time to bake a cake that's not only delicious but also a beautiful ode to the bountiful gifts of nature. Here is the recipe for this easy Tu Bishvat fruitcake:
Dried Fruit Cake
Ingredients
- 3 cups cut dried fruits
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For garnish:
- 2 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 180°C / 350°F with the fan.
- In a mixing bowl, mix all ingredients well.
- Grease a loaf tin.
- Pour the cake batter into the tin.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Have a piece and a Happy Tu Bishvat!
Video
Leave a Reply