Orange Fruit Cake

My Christmas bake off  starts just before winter holiday break and fruit cake is one of my favorite bakes of the season. I bake Rum Soaked Fruit Cake every year for Christmas as well as non alcoholic version fruit cake with fresh orange juice that can be enjoyed all year round. It's a much easier and quicker recipe than traditional fruit cake that needs soaking dry fruits in alcohol for several weeks or months. It's a last minute recipe for Christmas get together to please  dear ones.

I have used dried cranberry, dates, red raisins, orange peels, candid pineapples and crystallized ginger. This citrusy-fruity cake pairs with freshly brewed coffee, tea or hot chocolate.

Ingredients~
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting the pan
1/2 cup butter plus 1/2 tsp to grease the pan
2 eggs
Little less than 3/4 cup sugar
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp.baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt 

1 tbsp. orange zest
1 1/2 cups mixed fruit
1cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tsp. powdered sugar for dusting the cake(optional)

Method~
Arrange the oven rack in the 2nd position from the bottom of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F(180 degrees C). Grease a 7 inch round or a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with butter. Sift flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda together. Separate one egg white and beat until soft peak forms and set aside.  

In a large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally. Mixture will be curdled at this point which is fine. Now mix orange zest, fruits and 2 tbsp. flour mixture together so fruits won't sink to the bottom while baking. 

Add 1/2 cup flour at a time to the batter and gently mix until well combined. Add in mixed fruits and mix well. Now add egg white and gently fold into the cake batter. Pour the batter into the greased pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a skewer/knife inserted comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Run a plastic or silicon knife  around the edges of the cake to release it from the pan. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Happy Holidays!!