Pastilla Fruit Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mixed dried fruits, chopped (apricots, raisins, figs, dates)
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt together.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy and light. Then add egg yolks and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour mix to the wet mix and beat until well combined and smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
6. Fold egg whites into the flour mixture until well combined.
7. Add dried fruits and walnuts in the batter and mix well.
8. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. While the cake is baking, make the syrup by mixing orange juice and honey. Heat the mixture in a small saucepan until honey is dissolved, then let it cool down.
10. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
11. Pierce the top of the cake all over with a fork and pour the orange-honey syrup over it.
12. Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

The Pastilla Fruit Cake is best served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It is perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea or as a dessert in any special occasion. The moist texture and the mix of dried fruits and walnuts give it a unique flavor and aroma. Enjoy!

Verdict:

The Pastilla Fruit Cake is a sophisticated twist on the classic fruit cake. The combination of mixed dried fruits and crunchy walnuts creates a delectable flavor and texture in every bite. The orange-honey syrup adds an extra hint of sweetness and moisture to the cake, making it a great addition to any table.