Growing up, I always cherished the aroma of freshly baked German fruit cake in my grandmother’s kitchen. This classic dessert, known as Obstkuchen in German, is a delightful combination of vegan sponge cake, creamy custard, and a medley of juicy fruits and vibrant berries. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the burst of flavors it offers.
German fruit cakes, like this one, are a true representation of European desserts – lower in sugar yet incredibly satisfying to the taste buds. The soft cake base, glazed berries, and a special stabilized whipped cream frosting make this vegan twist on the traditional recipe a must-try. Whether you’re a fan of German cuisine or simply looking for a delightful treat, this vegan fruit cake is sure to impress with its ease of preparation and irresistible taste.
Ingredients
To create this delightful German fruit cake, you will need a variety of ingredients that come together to form a delicious and visually appealing dessert.
For the Cake:
- 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 3/4 cup of white granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 3 red apples, peeled and pureed (use a food processor for best results)
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 125 g (4.4 oz) of butter
- 1 pinch of cloves
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of raisins
- 3/4 cup of chopped candied fruit
- 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts
- 3/4 cup of sliced or chopped almonds
- 2 tablespoons of molasses or brown sugar (adjust amount to taste)
For the Fruit Topping:
- Assorted seasonal fruits and berries of your choice
- For a clear glaze: apple or white grape juice
- For a red glaze: dark red berry juice
Required Equipment
- Fruit Tart Pan: An 11-inch (28cm) fruit tart pan is ideal for baking the sponge cake base, providing the perfect size and shape for your dessert.
- Mixing Bowls: Various sizes of mixing bowls are essential for combining ingredients and preparing the cake batter.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success, so make sure you have a set of measuring cups and spoons on hand.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for mixing the dry and wet ingredients together smoothly.
- Spatula: A spatula is handy for folding in the ingredients gently and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C) to ensure the cake bakes at the right temperature.
- Stovetop: You’ll need a stovetop for preparing the custard and glaze according to the recipe instructions.
- Cake Plate: A cake plate is necessary for serving and displaying your finished German fruit cake.
Steps to Prepare
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
First, preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C) and grease an 11-inch fruit tart pan. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 3/4 cup of white granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
In a separate bowl, peel and puree 3 red apples, or use a food processor for a smooth texture. Add the apple puree to the dry ingredients along with 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, a pinch of cloves, 125g (4.4 oz) of melted butter, 2 eggs, 1 cup of raisins, 3/4 cup of chopped candied fruit, 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts, 3/4 cup of sliced or chopped almonds, and 2 tablespoons of molasses or brown sugar. Mix the batter until everything is well incorporated.
Step 3: Prepare the Fruit Topping
Spread the prepared cake batter evenly in the greased fruit tart pan. Arrange sliced fruits like strawberries, blackberries, or any preferred fruits on top of the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C) and bake the cake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
For a clear glaze, choose apple or white grape juice, or for a red glaze, opt for dark red berry or grape juice. If juice is not available, use water and add lemon juice and sugar to taste. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of potato starch in 1/4 cup of juice. Simmer 3/4 cup of juice, stir in the starch mixture, and simmer until thickened. Let the glaze cool slightly before spooning it over the fruit topping. Allow the glaze to set before serving the German fruit cake.
Assembly Instructions
Let’s bring all the delicious components together to assemble our German fruit cake masterpiece.
How to Layer the Fruit
- Begin by arranging the prepared fruits on top of the cooled vegan sponge cake base. Feel free to get creative with your fruit placement, creating a visually appealing design.
- Ensure that the fruits are evenly distributed on the cake, allowing for a balance of colors and flavors in each bite.
- Gently press the fruits into the stabilized whipped cream frosting to secure them in place and create a harmonious blend of textures.
- Once the fruits are perfectly arranged, it’s time to add the final touch with the glaze.
- Using the prepared glaze, carefully spoon it over the fruit topping, ensuring that each fruit is generously coated.
- Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving the German fruit cake, enhancing its visual appeal and adding a glossy finish to the dessert.
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning to make a German fruit cake ahead of time? Here’s how you can get a head start on preparing this delightful dessert:
- Sponge Cake Base: Bake the sponge cake base a day before assembling the fruit cake. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh and moist until you’re ready to assemble the cake.
- Pastry Cream: The vanilla pastry cream can also be made a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, give it a quick whisk to ensure a smooth consistency.
- Fruits: Wash and cut the fruits for the topping a few hours before serving. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and vibrant colors.
By preparing these components in advance, you can streamline the assembly process and ensure a delicious and visually appealing German fruit cake for your upcoming gathering.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Best Practices for Storage
After preparing the German fruit cake, it’s essential to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Place any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake can typically last up to 3-4 days when refrigerated, ensuring you can enjoy it over multiple servings without compromising its taste.
Conclusion
Creating a vegan twist on traditional German fruit cake with Obstkuchen brings a delightful fusion of flavors to your table. The assembly process allows for endless creativity in showcasing the vibrant colors and textures of the fruits. With the convenience of make-ahead preparation, you can savor this delectable treat at your leisure. Remember, proper storage is key to preserving the freshness of your Obstkuchen, ensuring it remains a delectable delight for up to 3-4 days. Enjoy the sweet journey of baking and sharing this German-inspired fruit cake with your loved ones.