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Deep Chocolate Cocoa & Spiced Mixed Fruit Celebration Cake

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A rich and moist deep chocolate cocoa cake infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, generously studded with sweet mixed dried fruits and optionally topped with silky dark chocolate ganache. Perfect for holidays and special celebrations.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped dried apricots, or candied peel)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • Optional Ganache: 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
  • Optional Ganache: 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Toss dried fruit lightly with a spoonful of flour, then fold into the batter along with walnuts if using.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 40–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For ganache (optional), heat cream until steaming, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Pour over cooled cake and allow to set before slicing.

Notes

  • Add 1 tablespoon orange zest for a citrus variation.
  • Soak dried fruit in warm tea or orange juice for 30 minutes for extra moisture.
  • Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if desired.
  • Dust with powdered sugar instead of ganache for a lighter finish.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerate up to 6 days, or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/deep-chocolate-cocoa-spiced-mixed-fruit-celebration-cake/