The Fresh Fruit Cake is a delightful and vibrant dessert that combines the natural sweetness and refreshing taste of fresh fruits with a light, fluffy cake base. Perfect for any special occasion or a festive gathering, this cake not only looks beautiful with its colorful layers of fruit but also offers a deliciously fresh twist on traditional fruit cakes. Unlike the heavier, spiced versions often enjoyed during the holidays, this cake focuses on celebrating the natural flavors of seasonal fruits, making it a refreshing choice for warmer months or even year-round celebrations. With a balance of light, moist cake and juicy fruit topping, it’s a dessert that appeals to all ages and preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, grapes, and mango)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (for soaking the fruits)
- ¼ cup whipped cream (optional for decoration)
- Mint leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and light.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the fresh fruit. Wash and chop the fruits into bite-sized pieces. Place the fruits in a bowl and drizzle with orange juice to keep them fresh and enhance their natural flavor.
- Once the cake has cooled, transfer it to a serving platter. Gently press down on the top to create a small depression where the fruit will sit.
- Arrange the prepared fresh fruits evenly on top of the cake, starting from the center and working outward in a beautiful pattern.
- Optionally, garnish with whipped cream and mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for up to a few hours before serving.
This Fresh Fruit Cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes with its colorful, beautiful fruit topping. Its light and moist texture paired with the juicy fruits make it a memorable dessert that will leave everyone craving more. Perfect for any season, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!