White Fruitcake

Fruitcakes are a classic holiday treat, and with this recipe for White Fruitcake, you can create a moist and flavorful cake right in your slow cooker. While traditional fruitcakes are typically baked in the oven, this recipe offers a unique twist by using the slow cooker to steam the cake. With a combination of delicious fruits, nuts, and extracts, this White Fruitcake is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup (112 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1½ cups (189 g) flour, plus more for coating fruit
• 1½ teaspoons (7 g) baking powder
• 1 cup (225 g) unsweetened crushed pineapple, well-drained (reserve the juice)
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) pineapple juice (drained from the crushed pineapple)
• 1½ cups (220 g) golden raisins
• 4 ounces (115 g) mixed candied fruit
• 4 ounces (115 g) candied cherries, halved
• 1 cup (110 g) slivered almonds
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract

PREPARATION:

1. Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together. Add the egg yolks and beat well until creamy.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Add the flour mixture alternately with the pineapple juice to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
3. In another bowl, sprinkle some flour over the golden raisins and candied fruit, tossing to coat them lightly.
4. Stir in the coated raisins, candied fruit, crushed pineapple, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the cake batter, ensuring that they are well blended.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
6. Grease and flour a cake pan that fits inside your slow cooker. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and cover it.
7. Place the covered cake pan in the slow cooker and pour ½ cup (120 ml) of water around the cake pan.
8. Cover the slow cooker and steam the fruitcake on high heat for 3 to 5 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
9. Once baked, allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before removing it. Let the cake cool thoroughly before slicing. For best results, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap to mellow the flavors.

YIELD:

12 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 52 g water
• 369 calories (37% from fat, 8% from protein, 55% from carbs)
• 8 g protein
• 16 g total fat
• 6 g saturated fat
• 7 g monounsaturated fat
• 2 g polyunsaturated fat
• 52 g carbs
• 3 g fiber
• 34 g sugar
• 152 mg phosphorus
• 90 mg calcium
• 2 mg iron
• 95 mg sodium
• 322 mg potassium
• 337 IU vitamin A
• 89 mg ATE vitamin E
• 4 mg vitamin C
• 99 mg cholesterol

This White Fruitcake recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic holiday treat, allowing you to create a moist and flavorful cake in your slow cooker. By using the slow cooker to steam the cake, you can achieve a tender texture and infuse the fruit and nut flavors throughout the cake.

The combination of ingredients in this recipe adds a delightful array of flavors and textures to the fruitcake. The crushed pineapple and pineapple juice provide a hint of tropical sweetness, while the golden raisins, candied fruit, and cherries offer bursts of fruity goodness. Slivered almonds add a satisfying crunch, and the vanilla and almond extracts enhance the overall aroma and taste.

The slow cooker method helps to retain moisture in the cake, resulting in a rich and moist texture. Steaming the cake in the slow cooker allows for even heat distribution, ensuring that the cake bakes evenly. This method also helps to lock in the flavors, creating a well-infused fruitcake.

When it comes to serving the White Fruitcake, you can enjoy it as is or enhance it with your favorite accompaniments. It pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee and can be served as a dessert or enjoyed as a sweet treat throughout the day. You can also add a touch of festive flair by dusting the cake with powdered sugar or drizzling it with a simple glaze.

The nutritional information per serving reflects the balance of ingredients in this White Fruitcake. While it does contain a moderate amount of fat, it also provides essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. As with any indulgent treat, it’s best to enjoy this fruitcake in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet.

In conclusion, this White Fruitcake recipe demonstrates the versatility of the slow cooker, allowing you to create a delicious and moist cake without using the traditional oven-baking method. Whether you’re looking for a unique holiday dessert or a delightful treat for any occasion, this White Fruitcake is sure to impress with its rich flavors and tender texture. So, gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and savor the delightful aroma and taste of this homemade White Fruitcake.