Indulge in the delightful flavors of dried fruits and chocolate with this incredibly easy Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Fruit Cake recipe. Perfect for busy days when you want a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe requires just four simple ingredients and a slow cooker. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving something sweet, this fruit cake is sure to satisfy your dessert cravings. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this delectable dessert with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 5-6 cups mixed dried fruits (such as cherries, apricots, raisins, cranberries)
- 2 cups chocolate milk
- 1/2 cup Bailey’s liqueur
- 2 cups self-rising flour
Instructions:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, chocolate milk, and Bailey’s liqueur. Stir until the fruits are evenly coated with the liquids.
- Add the Flour: Gradually add the self-rising flour to the fruit mixture, stirring until well combined and no dry flour remains. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky.
- Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Pour the batter into the prepared slow cooker, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the fruit cake on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Once the fruit cake is cooked through, remove the slow cooker insert from the heat and allow the cake to cool slightly before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Mixed Dried Fruits: Feel free to customize the dried fruits according to your preferences. You can use a combination of cherries, apricots, raisins, cranberries, or any other dried fruits you like.
- Chocolate Milk: The chocolate milk adds a rich and indulgent flavor to the fruit cake. If you prefer, you can use regular milk or almond milk as a substitute.
- Bailey’s Liqueur: For a non-alcoholic version of this fruit cake, you can omit the Bailey’s liqueur altogether or replace it with an equal amount of orange juice or apple cider.
- Self-Rising Flour Substitute: If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, you can make your own by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits? A: While this recipe is specifically designed for dried fruits, you can experiment with fresh fruits if you prefer. Keep in mind that fresh fruits may release more moisture during cooking, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover fruit cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage. Simply wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Q: Can I make this fruit cake in the oven instead of the slow cooker? A: Yes, you can bake this fruit cake in the oven if you prefer. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the cake in a greased and lined cake pan for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this fruit cake, you can make a few substitutions:
- Dried Fruits: Choose low-carb dried fruits such as berries or apricots, and use them in moderation to keep the carb count low.
- Chocolate Milk Substitute: Replace the chocolate milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to reduce the carb content.
- Flour Substitute: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of self-rising flour for a lower-carb option.
With just four simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a deliciously moist and flavorful fruit cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Fruit Cake is sure to impress. Give it a try and savor the irresistible combination of dried fruits, chocolate, and Bailey’s liqueur in every bite. Enjoy!
