Hop in the simplicity of my delightful recipe for a Polish summer fruit cake with a scrumptious crumble topping. This recipe effortlessly adapts to a wide range of fruits, allowing you to embark on a culinary adventure. Personally, I opted for the luscious combination of strawberries and rhubarb freshly picked from my very own allotment! The blueberries and apricots are from the store :)
Prepare to be amazed by the ease of this recipe, as it requires minimal preparation while ensuring a fool proof outcome. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned baker, this cake will surely captivate your taste buds and impress your guests.
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Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Ingredients for cake:
11.3oz plain flour, sieved (all purpose flour) 320g
7oz of butter (room temp) 200g
8.8oz eggs (4 large, room temp) 250g
6.3oz granulated white sugar, 180g
2 flat tsp of baking powder
pinch of salt
1tsp vanilla bean paste
800g of fresh fruit (Strawberry, blueberry, rhubarb, apricots)
Ingredients for crumble topping:
plain flour 150g
granulated white sugar 120g
butter 120g
Equipment:
13x9 inch baking tray (33cm x 23cm) If you prefer, you can also use a slightly smaller tray for this recipe. However, keep in mind that in that case, the baking time may be longer.
cooling rack (optional)
measuring spoons (optional)
How to prepare Polish Summer Fruit Cake:
1. Preheat the fan-assisted oven to 365°F (180°C). Prepare a baking tray by greasing it lightly with oil and lining it with parchment paper to keep it in place.
2. For the cake batter, in a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar on high speed until pale and fluffy. Reduce the speed to medium and gradually add the eggs one by one, ensuring they are well incorporated. Then, add the vanilla bean paste.
3. Stop the mixer and add the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are fully incorporated. If the mixture appears too thick, add two tablespoons of milk or water and incorporate it.
4. Using a spatula, transfer the batter to the prepared baking tray and spread it evenly. Arrange the fruit on top; you can halve the strawberries, cut the rhubarb into chunks, and quarter the apricots.
5. To prepare the crumble topping, place all the crumble ingredients in a bowl and rub the mixture between your fingers until it is almost combined. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the fruit.
6. Place the baking tray on the middle shelf of the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.
7. Once the cake is ready, allow it to cool for 10 minutes before serving. You can transfer it to a cooling rack, using a sheet of paper and the help of another person to expedite the cooling process.
8. Enjoy your delicious cake with a cup of coffee! Smacznego!
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Baking tips for this recipe:
Creaming the butter and sugar - When creaming the butter and sugar, ensure that the butter is at room temperature for better incorporation and a smoother texture. Cream them on high speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
Gradually adding eggs - Adding the eggs one at a time and incorporating them well ensures a uniform texture. This helps in achieving a light and tender cake.
Mixing dry ingredients - Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together before adding them to the batter. This step helps remove any lumps and ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents.
Arranging the fruit - Be creative with how you arrange the fruit on top of the cake. Ensure the fruit is evenly distributed and use a variety of sizes and shapes for visual appeal.
Proper baking time - Keep an eye on the cake while it bakes. The suggested baking time is 40-45 minutes, but ovens may vary. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
Variations for this recipe:
Mixed Berry - Instead of using specific fruits like strawberries, rhubarb, and apricots, you can use a mixture of berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. The tartness of the berries will complement the sweetness of the cake.
Apple and Cinnamon - Replace the mixed fruits with thinly sliced apples and sprinkle the crumble topping with a generous amount of cinnamon. This will give the cake a warm and cozy flavour reminiscent of apple pie.
Tropical - Use tropical fruits like sliced mangoes, pineapple chunks, and kiwi slices for a refreshing and exotic twist. Top it off with a sprinkle of shredded coconut in the crumble topping for added flavour.
Lemon Blueberry - Add the zest of one lemon to the cake batter and fold in fresh blueberries. This combination creates a delightful burst of citrus and berry flavours.
Nutter - Incorporate chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans into the crumble topping. The added crunch and nutty flavour will elevate the overall taste of the cake.
Chocolate Lover's - For all the chocolate enthusiasts, mix in some chocolate chips or chunks into the cake batter. You can also sprinkle cocoa powder in the crumble topping for a rich, chocolaty twist.
Citrus Burst - Replace the vanilla bean paste with citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, to infuse the cake with a bright and tangy flavor. Consider adding a drizzle of citrus glaze on top for extra zing.
