Sharon's Jamaican Fruit Cake - A Delicious Tropical Treat

Sharon's Jamaican Fruit Cake is a mouthwatering dessert that captures the vibrant flavors of the tropics. This rich and decadent cake is packed with a medley of dried fruits and nuts, soaked in rum for an extra kick. It is a classic Christmas treat in Jamaica but can be enjoyed all year round. The cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any special occasion or holiday celebration. Follow this recipe to create your own slice of Caribbean paradise.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dark rum
• 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, cherries)
• 1 cup chopped mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds)
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each addition is well incorporated.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract and dark rum.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
7. Fold in the dried fruits, chopped nuts, molasses, orange juice, milk, breadcrumbs, and orange zest. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, you can optionally brush the top of the cake with additional rum for an extra burst of flavor.
12. Serve slices of Sharon's Jamaican Fruit Cake and enjoy the tropical goodness!

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