Classic Winter Fruitcake

Classic Winter Fruitcake
  • Author: Anonymous

This festive fruitcake is a delightful treat, perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Adorned with frosted grapes, holly leaves, and a glossy snowy frosting, this cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Complete with seasonal fruits and a touch of ribbon, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and bring a touch of elegance to any celebration.

— Constant Cookbook

Ingredients

  • 1 egg white
  • 50g caster sugar
  • small bunch black grapes
  • holly or bay leaves
  • 20cm/8 inch round fruitcake
  • 1-2 clementines
  • 1-2 just ripe figs
  • a few kumquat
  • a few physalis (Cape gooseberries)
  • approx 65cm red or gold ribbon
  • 2 egg whites
  • 175g icing sugar

Instructions

  • Lightly beat the egg white in a shallow bowl and spread out the caster sugar on a baking sheet or tray. Dip the grapes and the holly or bay leaves into the egg white, or use a paintbrush. Shake off the excess, then coat in the sugar. Set aside to dry for at least 10 mins, ideally about 30 mins.
  • When you’re ready to decorate, make the frosting. Put a large bowl over a pan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Put the egg whites and icing sugar into the bowl and whisk for 5-7 mins until you have a thick, very glossy frosting. Use a spatula to clean around the edges of the bowl every so often as you whisk. Scoop the frosting onto the top of the cake and spread it around with a flat-edged knife, swirling as you go to create a snowy effect (see Knowhow, below).
  • Halve the clementines, figs and kumquats, then arrange on top of the frosted cake with the physalis, frosted grapes and leaves. Fix a ribbon around the base and leave the cake somewhere cool – but not the fridge – until your guests arrive.

Comments

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Prep Time

PT20M

Yield

Enough icing for the top