Who says baking has to be complicated? With this Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Fruit Cake recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and moist cake with minimal effort. Perfect for busy days or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll love the simplicity and flavor of this delightful fruit cake.
Ingredients:
- 5-6 cups of mixed fruits (cherries, apricots, raisins, cranberries)
- 2 cups chocolate milk
- 1/2 cup of Bailey’s
- 2 cups of self-rising flour
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fruits:
- Rinse and dry the mixed fruits thoroughly.
- If using larger fruits like cherries or apricots, chop them into smaller pieces for easier incorporation into the cake batter.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed fruits, chocolate milk, and Bailey’s.
- Gradually add the self-rising flour to the fruit mixture, stirring until well combined. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.
3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker:
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.
- Pour the fruit cake batter into the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.
4. Cook the Cake:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or until the cake is set and cooked through.
- Check the cake periodically to ensure it doesn’t burn, especially towards the end of the cooking time.
5. Serve:
- Once the fruit cake is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly.
- Slice the cake into portions and serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Mixed Fruits: Feel free to customize the mixed fruits according to your preferences. You can use a combination of dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, apricots, or cherries.
- Chocolate Milk: The chocolate milk adds richness and flavor to the fruit cake. If preferred, you can use regular milk or almond milk as a substitute.
- Bailey’s: Bailey’s Irish Cream adds a delightful boozy flavor to the cake. For a non-alcoholic version, you can omit the Bailey’s or replace it with an equal amount of orange juice.
- Self-Rising Flour: If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. For every cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this fruit cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the fruit cake batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking it in the slow cooker. This makes it a convenient option for parties or special occasions.
Q: Is this fruit cake suitable for special dietary needs? A: While this recipe contains dairy and alcohol, you can easily adapt it to suit different dietary preferences. For a keto-friendly version, you can use almond flour instead of self-rising flour and substitute the chocolate milk with unsweetened almond milk. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free self-rising flour.
Q: Can I add nuts to this fruit cake? A: Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be a delicious addition to this fruit cake. Simply fold them into the batter before transferring it to the slow cooker.
With just four simple ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can whip up a delectable fruit cake that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert or enjoying it with a cup of tea or coffee, this Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Fruit Cake is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try and delight your taste buds with its moist texture and irresistible taste!
