French Fruitcake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup candied pineapple
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• For the glaze:
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23-cm) round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cranberries, apricots, raisins, walnuts, and pineapple. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and stir to combine.
3. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. To make the glaze, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
7. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.

Interesting Facts

• Fruitcake is one of the oldest known desserts, dating back to Ancient Rome.
• In French, fruitcake is known as “gateau aux fruits”, which translates to “fruit cake”.
• Fruitcake is a popular Christmas dessert in many parts of the world.
• Fruitcake is a traditional wedding cake in some cultures.