This Citrus Fruit & Nut Swirl Cake is a delightful and fragrant treat perfect for any occasion. With its soft dough, rich with citrus zest, raisins, cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, this cake offers a burst of flavors in every bite. Lightly sweetened and topped with powdered sugar, it’s an ideal dessert to serve with coffee or tea!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour + 10 minutes
Baking Time: 35-45 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Servings: Makes 1 large cake (8-10 servings)
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken eggs
- 40g sugar
- 400 ml warm milk
- 7g dry yeast
- 100 ml vegetable oil
- 750g flour, sifted
- 5g salt
- Softened butter (for greasing)
- Additional sugar for sprinkling
- Grated tangerine, lemon, or orange peel (to taste)
- 100g raisins
- 60g dried cranberries
- 50g chopped walnuts
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the warm milk, dry yeast, and vegetable oil. Stir until the yeast dissolves.
- Form the Dough:
- Gradually add sifted flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix with a spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead with your hands for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball.
- First Rise:
- Grease a bowl with vegetable oil, place the dough inside, and cover with cling film.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Dough Balls:
- Once the dough has risen, sprinkle a work surface with flour. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts.
- Roll each piece into a ball, cover with cling film, and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Roll out one dough ball into a 26×33 cm rectangle.
- Spread softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle with sugar and grated citrus peel (tangerine, lemon, or orange).
- Add raisins, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts on top.
- Form the Rolls:
- Roll the dough into a log, making sure the filling is tightly enclosed. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.
- Second Rise:
- Grease a baking dish with butter and place the rolled dough inside. Let it rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes, or until puffed up.
- Bake the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Bake the cake for 35-45 minutes, or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices of the cake with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat.
- Add a few fresh berries on top for extra color and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This cake is the perfect blend of sweet and citrusy with a delightful crunch from the walnuts and raisins. The dough is soft and fluffy, and the rich citrus peel gives it a refreshing twist. Plus, the powdered sugar dusting adds a touch of elegance, making it perfect for special occasions!
Conclusion:
This Citrus Fruit & Nut Swirl Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The combination of citrus, dried fruits, and walnuts creates a wonderful mix of textures and flavors, and the soft, buttery dough is the perfect base for these fillings. Try it for your next gathering, and watch it disappear in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute the raisins and cranberries with other dried fruits like apricots, figs, or cherries. - How can I make the dough rise faster?
Place the dough in a warm, draft-free area, or use a proofing box if available. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough rolls after the second rise. Bake them when ready to serve. - Can I make this cake without eggs?
You can use an egg replacer like flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water for a vegan option. - What can I use instead of the vegetable oil?
You can use melted butter or olive oil as a substitute. - Is there a way to make this cake more moist?
You can add a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dough mixture for added moisture. - Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be substituted, though the texture will be denser. - How long can I store the cake?
This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. - Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
Yes, chocolate chips would make a great addition to the filling for a sweet twist. - How do I prevent the dough from getting too sticky?
Be sure to flour your work surface and hands while handling the dough to prevent stickiness.