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–+ servings
Chocolate Fruit Cake

Chocolate Fruit Cake

Make a moist Chocolate Fruit Cake with simple pantry staples. Soaked dried fruit & rich cocoa create the perfect easy, forgiving loaf for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Soaking Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruit like cherries, cranberries, and raisins
  • ¾ cup hot tea or orange juice for soaking the fruit
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowls
  • Loaf pan
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Place mixed dried fruit in a small bowl and pour hot tea or orange juice over it. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
  4. Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, followed by vanilla extract, mixing well.
  5. Drain excess liquid from the soaked fruit, then add one-third of the dry mixture to the butter mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk. Repeat, ending with the last third of the flour mixture. Fold in the fruit gently.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour and smooth batter into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest overnight for the best flavor and moisture.
Feel free to substitute mixed dried fruit with chopped dates or apricots. Soaking fruit in rum is a tasty variation.
This cake is great for brunch, potlucks, and as a gift. Enjoy with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
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