chocolate fruite cake

Chocolate Fruit Cake

Ingredients

Fruit Mixture

• 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped dates, cherries)

• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds – optional)

• ½ cup orange juice or apple juice

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Cake Batter

• ½ cup butter, softened

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup cocoa powder

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• ½ cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the fruit

   • In a bowl, combine dried fruit, nuts, juice, and cocoa powder.

   • Let soak for 20–30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Preheat oven

   • Preheat to 325°F (165°C).

   • Grease and line an 8-inch round pan or loaf pan.

3. Cream butter and sugar

   • Beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

   • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

4. Mix dry ingredients

   • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

5. Combine

   • Add dry ingredients to the batter alternately with milk.

   • Stir in vanilla.

   • Fold in soaked fruit (including any liquid).

6. Bake

   • Pour batter into prepared pan.

   • Bake 60–70 minutes, covering loosely with foil if top browns too quickly.

   • Cake is done when a skewer comes out clean.

7. Cool

   • Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

• Add chocolate chips for extra richness.

• Use coffee instead of juice for deeper chocolate flavor.

• Brush warm cake with orange juice or syrup to keep it moist.

• Keeps well for several days and tastes even better the next day.

Serving Ideas

• Dust with powdered sugar

• Serve with whipped cream or custard

• Drizzle with chocolate glaze