Soaking the Dry Fruits ahead of baking the cake produces a better flavor and texture of the cake. A Fruit Cake is all about the Dry Fruits selected, the choice of fruits, the way they are chopped and the juicier they are after soaking for a long time – all these factors contribute to a Great Fruit Cake! In this recipe, I have shown how to Soak DRY FRUITS in two Ways, Homemade Grape juice for a Non Alcoholic Plum Cake and RUM for Alcoholic Plum Cake.
Super Moist Christmas Fruit Cake that is loaded with the goodness of EXOTIC Berries and Dry fruits. This Recipe is my yearly ritual which i enjoy making every Christmas. I never liked the taste of store bought Plum Cakes but fell in love with the homemade recipe which includes the choice of dry fruits that we like and the buttery moist sponge with it makes it a perfect Christmas Fruit Cake!
How To Soak Fruits For Christmas Plum Cake
Ingredients
FOR DRY FRUITS SOAKING(GRAPE JUICE)
- 1/2 Cup | 60gms Dried Cranberries
- 1/2 Cup | 75gms Black Raisins
- 1/4 Cup | 40gms Golden Raisins/Sultanas
- Mixed Dry Fruits ( I used 2 Dried Kiwis, 3 Prunes, 1 Apricot, 6 cherries, 1 Tbsp Dried Blueberries, 1 Candied Ginger)
- 1/2 Tsp Freshly grated Orange Zest
- 1 Cup Homemade Grape Juice (should immerse the fruits)
FOR HOMEMADE GRAPE JUICE
- Black Grapes 200gms( I used with seeds)
- Sugar 3/4 Cup | 150gms
- Water 1 1/4 Cup
- Lemon juice 2 Tsp
FOR DRY FRUITS SOAKING(RUM SOAK)
- 1/2 Cup | 60gms Dried Cranberries
- 1/2 Cup | 75gms Black Raisins
- 1/4 Cup | 40gms Golden Raisins/Sultanas
- Mixed Dry Fruits ( I used 2 Dried Kiwis, 3 Prunes, 1 Apricot, 6 cherries, 1 Tbsp Dried Blueberries, 1 Candied Ginger)
- 1/2 Tsp Freshly grated Orange Zest
- Mixed Berry Jam 1 Tbsp (Or Orange Marmalade/Apricot Jam)
- Honey 1 Tbsp
- Dark Rum (about 1 Cup should immerse the fruits)
Instructions
- Wash and Pat Dry all the Dry Fruits Well. Any moisture will reduce their longevity.
- Chop them into tiny bits. Chopping them not only gives a better taste and texture to the cake but also helps in releasing their juices and nutrients during soaking.
- The choice of the dry fruits used decides the texture and taste of the cake. Using Cranberries and Black Raisins, Prunes, Blueberries etc tends to give it an exotic taste and a darker color without making the cake too sweet. Candied Ginger Or orange peel gives a really good kick to the overall taste. It helps to balance the sweetness of the cake. Tutti Frutti can also be added but i personally do not like the taste so i did not add.
- Transfer them into a clean dry bowl and mix Freshly Grated Orange Zest. Mix Well.
FOR GRAPE JUICE SOAK (NON ALCOHOLIC CAKE)
- Make Homemade Grape Juice which pairs beautifully with the essence of a Plum Cake. Heat Water and Sugar till the sugar dissolves completely.
- Wash and Dry the Grapes properly. Add them to the Sugar Syrup. Add Lemon Juice. Cook for 10-15mins till the grapes are soft.
- Strain the Juice and Mash the Pulp. Strain the Juice again through a finer Sieve. Discard any thick puree.
- Store the Grape juice in an airtight container. Stays good for a month if refrigerated.
- Transfer the Dry Fruits into a clean dry Glass Jar with a Lid and Add the Grape Juice till all the dry fruits are completely immersed. Keep Air tight. Give it a Mix and store it refrigerated for upto a Week before baking the cake. Stays good only for 2 days if kept at room temperature. If Refrigerated, bring it to room temperature before mixing with the cake batter.
FOR RUM SOAK ( ALCOHOLIC CAKE)
- Transfer the same Quantity of Dry Fruits into a bowl and mix Freshly Grated Orange Zest, Mixed Berry Jam, Honey.
- Pour Dark Rum till all the dry fruits are completely immersed. Keep Air tight. Give it a Mix. Do not refrigerate it. Keep it at room temperature. Due to the alcohol, it has a long shelf life. I keep it soaked for atleast a week or 10 days before baking the cake. The longer the better the flavor.
- If Refrigerated, bring it to room temperature before mixing with the cake batter.
- Give it a Shake once every day. Once the top part of the dry fruits get dried up, you can add some more RUM and mix with the back of a clean dry spoon. Repeat this till the day you use it for baking.Check the post Part 2 of How i baked the Rum Cake. Click hereΒ https://theartisticcook.com/christmas-plum-cake-with-rum/
Video
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @theartisticcook on Instagram and hashtag it #theartisticcook . I would love to see it. Feel free to ask me any doubts.
Did you try my Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake recipe? Do check it outΒ Vanilla Sponge Cake , Do Check the post Part 2 of How i baked the Rum Cake. Click hereΒ https://theartisticcook.com/christmas-plum-cake-with-rum/