Eggless Christmas Fruit Cake / Festive Cooking

With Christmas and New Year just around the corner , there is aroma of cakes in the air , no doubt an aspiring baker like me was tempted to bake a Christmas fruit cake for myself. Searched for recipes , most were with egg and required soaking of dry fruits in Rum. My hubby being a pure vegetarian, most of my cakes are egg less. Modified the recipes according to my need and finally settled with this Eggless , Butterless , whole Wheat Christmas fruit cake and yes it is alcohol free too and does not require any pre soaking ! To make it more healthy have replaced sugar with Jaggery. Though not a perfect one, still i am  happy with my first trial .

Ingredients: (Measurements 1 Cup = 200 ml)

• 1 Cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 Cup grated Jaggery
• 1/4 Cup Oil
• 1 cup Orange Juice ( have used fresh one)
• 1/4 Cup Chopped nuts ( have used Almonds, Cashew nuts and Walnuts)
• 1/2 Cup dry fruits ( have used dried Figs, Apricot , Dates , Raisins and Tutti Frutti )
• 1 tbsp Custard powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 tsp spice mixture ( 1 clove, 1 small stick of Cinnamon , 1/4 piece Nutmeg)
• 1 tsp Vanilla essence
• 1 tsp Orange zest 
• 1/2 tsp Lemon zest
• 10-12 blanched Almonds for garnishing (optional) 

Method:

1. Sieve whole wheat flour , custard powder , baking soda, baking powder and salt , twice and keep ready. 

   2. In a mixing bowl take the powdered or grated Jaggery and mix it with oil. To this mixture add the Orange juice and mix still the Jaggery completely dissolves in the orange juice.

    3.  Now blend in the dry ingredients into the wet ones with a spatula.

   4. Add the spice mixture, chopped nuts and dry fruits to this batter followed by the Lemon and Orange zest and Vanilla essence.

  5.  Line the cake pan with a parchment paper at the base and grease the pan. Pour this batter into it and tap gently. Remove the peels from the blanched Almonds and garnish it over the batter.

 6.  Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 180 degree Celsius or 350 degree Fahrenheit for 30 to 35 minutes or until an inserted tooth pick or skewer in the centre of the cake comes out clear. Keep an eye after 25 minutes as the temperature may vary from oven to oven.

  7.  Let the cake cool down for 15 minutes and then invert and carefully peel off the butter paper. Wait for at least an hour before slicing the cake.

  8.  Enjoy this delicious Christmas fruit cake with your loved ones !!

                            

Wishing a very happy Christmas in advance to all those who celebrate !!!