![Zelten - Italian Christmas Fruitcake](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-auto,dpr-auto/recipes/zelten-italian-christmas-fruitcake--0783852e-84c0-4541-b284-f0f18318cba8.png)
Recipe
Zelten - Italian Christmas Fruitcake
Festive Delight: Zelten - A Taste of Italian Christmas
4.1 out of 5
Indulge in the flavors of Italian Christmas with Zelten, a traditional fruitcake that is rich in history and taste. This delightful treat is packed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, making it a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
60-70 minutes
Total time
80-90 minutes
Yields
8 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Dairy-free (if using dairy-free milk), Nut-free (if omitting nuts), Soy-free, Kosher
Allergens
Eggs, Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
Not suitable for
Vegan, Gluten-free, Egg-free, Paleo, Low-carb
Ingredients
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
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1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
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1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
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1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
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2 large eggs 2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup (150g) dried figs, chopped 1 cup (150g) dried figs, chopped
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1 cup (150g) raisins 1 cup (150g) raisins
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1/2 cup (75g) candied orange peel, chopped 1/2 cup (75g) candied orange peel, chopped
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1/2 cup (75g) almonds, chopped 1/2 cup (75g) almonds, chopped
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1/2 cup (75g) walnuts, chopped 1/2 cup (75g) walnuts, chopped
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
- Fat: 12g (2g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 50g (30g sugars)
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Salt: 0.3g
Preparation
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1.Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a round cake pan.
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2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
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3.In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, olive oil, honey, eggs, and vanilla extract.
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4.Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
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5.Fold in the dried figs, raisins, candied orange peel, almonds, and walnuts.
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6.Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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7.Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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8.Allow the Zelten to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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9.Once cooled, slice and serve.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Dried figs — Soak the dried figs in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping them. This will help soften them and make them easier to incorporate into the cake batter.
Tips & Tricks
- For a boozy twist, soak the dried fruits in rum or brandy overnight before adding them to the cake batter.
- To enhance the flavor, toast the almonds and walnuts before chopping them.
- Serve the Zelten warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
- Store the Zelten in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a festive touch, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving advice
Serve the Zelten as a dessert during your Christmas dinner or enjoy it as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. It can also be wrapped in parchment paper and given as a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
Presentation advice
To present the Zelten, place it on a decorative cake stand or serving platter. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few candied orange peels, or a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch.
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