Description
This Apricot Walnut Christmas Fruitcake with Spiced Orange Glaze offers a moist and flavorful twist on a classic dessert. Packed with dried apricots, crunchy walnuts, and warm spices, it’s beautifully complemented by a zesty orange glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 200g (7oz) All-Purpose Flour: provides structure.
- 1 tsp Baking Powder: helps the cake rise.
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon: adds warming spice.
- 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg: provides nutty sweetness.
- 1/4 tsp Ground Allspice: adds complex aroma.
- 150g (5.3oz) Unsalted Butter, Softened: adds richness.
- 150g (5.3oz) Brown Sugar: adds moisture and caramel flavor.
- 3 Large Eggs: bind ingredients and add richness.
- 120g (4.2oz) Dried Apricots, Chopped: adds chewy texture.
- 120g (4.2oz) Walnuts, Toasted and Roughly Chopped: provides crunch and nutty flavor.
- 60ml (1/4 cup) Fresh Orange Juice: adds brightness and moisture.
- Zest of 1 Orange: provides citrus flavor.
- 1 tbsp Orange Marmalade (alcohol-free): adds subtle orange flavor.
- 1 tsp Ground Cardamom: adds floral and citrusy note.
- 2 tbsp Honey: adds moisture and sweetness.
- 100g (3.5oz) Powdered Sugar (for glaze): provides sweetness.
- 2 tbsp Orange Juice (for glaze): adds citrus flavor.
- 1 tsp Orange Zest (for glaze): enhances orange flavor.
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cardamom (for glaze): complements cake cardamom.
- Pinch of Salt (for glaze): balances sweetness.
- Extra Toasted Walnut Pieces, for garnish: adds crunch.
- Candied Orange Peel Strips, for garnish: provides flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F), grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) cake pan.
- Combine Dry: Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: Cream butter and brown sugar until pale and airy (3-4 minutes).
- Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, then stir in orange zest and marmalade.
- Alternate Wet & Dry: Gradually fold in dry ingredients alternating with orange juice.
- Add Fruits & Nuts: Stir in apricots, walnuts, and cardamom.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-55 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, zest, cardamom, and salt.
- Cool & Glaze: Cool cake for 15 minutes, invert, cool completely, and drizzle with glaze.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with walnuts and candied orange peel.
Notes
For optimal flavor, toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter. Consider ‘feeding’ the cake with brandy or rum for enhanced flavor and moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: fruitcake,apricot,walnut,christmas,holiday,baking,glazed,spiced,dessert,orange