Why I Love This Polish Christmas Fruit Cake (Keks) Recipe
The Polish Christmas Fruit Cake, or Keks, is a festive treat that shows the spirit and flavors of the holiday season in Poland. This rich, dense cake is packed with a mix of dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of citrus, making it a must-have during Christmas celebrations. Every slice is a sweet reminder of childhood memories and holiday traditions.
I love baking this cake each year; it fills the house with a wonderful aroma that instantly puts everyone in a festive mood. Its often served on my Polish Christmas table, with other delicious desserts like this Creamy Polish Cheesecake. The combination of textures and flavors, from the chewy fruits to the crunchy nuts, makes every bite a joyous celebration.
How to Store and Serve Polish Christmas Fruit Cake
Keks is ideal for making ahead of time as its flavors develop and improve over a few days. Wrap the cooled cake in parchment paper and store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can be enjoyed for up to two weeks, and the rich flavors and moist texture will only get better with time. Serve slices of Keks as a delightful dessert at holiday gatherings, or pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Expert Tips for Perfect Polish Christmas Fruit Cake
• Ingredient Quality: Use the best quality dried fruits and nuts you can find, as they are the heart of this cake.
• Creaming Method: Properly creaming the butter and sugar is crucial for a light texture. Ensure it’s fluffy and pale before adding other ingredients.
• Folding Technique: Be gentle when folding the egg whites and dry ingredients into the batter to keep the cake light and airy.
Toppings and Variations
• Glaze Options: While a simple citrus glaze is traditional, you can also use a rum glaze or a vanilla bean glaze for different flavors.
• Fruit and Nut Variations: Feel free to customize the fruits and nuts according to your preferences. Try using plums, rhubarb, blueberries, pears, strawberries, and raspberries for a different twist.
Polish Christmas Fruit Cake – Keks
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 Servings 1x
Description
This Polish Christmas Fruit Cake Recipe also known as Keks, is a traditional dessert, loved by everyone in Poland. Learn how to make this delicious fruit loaf, with this simple and quick recipe!
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 cup Unsalted butter ((200 gram))
- 1 cup Powdered sugar ((120 gram))
- 4 large Eggs (separated)
- pinch of Salt
- 2 1/4 cup All-purpose flour ((300 gram))
- 3 tablespoons Vanilla sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
- 1/4 cup Raisins
- 1/4 cup Dried cranberries (or figs)
- 1/4 cup Apricots
- 1/4 cup Dates
- 1/4 cup Peeled almonds
- 1/4 cup Candied orange peel
- Grated zest of 1 orange
- 5 tablespoons Milk
For the Glaze
- 2 tablespoons Orange juice (or lemon juice)
- 2/3 cup Powdered sugar
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a 11 x 25 cm (approximately 4 x 10 inch) loaf pan with parchment paper. Chop all dried fruits and nuts into small pieces.
Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 7 minutes.
- Add egg yolks one at a time, continuing to beat until the mixture is pale and creamy, about 7 to 10 more minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt to stiff peaks.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, vanilla sugar, baking powder, chopped fruits, nuts, and orange zest.
- Gently fold the flour mixture into the creamed butter, alternating with milk, using a spatula. Carefully fold in the beaten egg whites in three additions until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Glaze
- Heat the citrus juice slightly, remove from heat, then whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth and fully dissolved.
- Remove the cake from the oven, let cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze.
Notes
• Serve this cake as a dessert or enjoy it as a special treat with afternoon tea or coffee.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dessert
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Calories: 391
Nutrition Information
Per 1 Serving:
Calories: 391, Carbs: 47g, Fat: 20g, Protein: 4g
This website offers estimated nutritional details, which may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
FAQ
Can I make Keks without nuts?
Yes, you can easily omit the nuts if you prefer or are catering to allergies.
How can I ensure my fruit cake is moist and not dry?
Do not overbake the cake, and make sure to wrap it well while storing to retain moisture.
What’s the best way to chop the dried fruit?
Using a sharp knife, chop them into uniform pieces to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the cake.
