This fresh fruit cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s moist, flavorful, and packed with fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 1 cup chopped fresh peaches or nectarines
Instructions:
- Prep the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the Fruit:
- Gently fold in the fresh berries and chopped peaches or nectarines.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Fruit Cake:
- Use Fresh, Ripe Fruit: The fresher the fruit, the better the flavor of your cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Serve Warm with Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, serve the warm cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make fruit cake!