Here’s a rich and delicious recipe for a Dried Fruit and Nut Layered Cake with Sour Cream and Condensed Milk Frosting. This cake is popular in Eastern European and Middle Eastern cuisines for its depth of flavor and luxurious texture.
🌰 Dried Fruit and Nut Layered Cake
With Sour Cream and Condensed Milk Frosting
📝 Ingredients:
For the Cake Layers:
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5 large eggs
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, chopped dates, apricots, etc.)
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1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts – chopped)
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Optional: ½ tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg
For the Frosting:
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1 can (14 oz / 400g) sweetened condensed milk
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2 cups sour cream (full fat, room temperature)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Optional: 2 tbsp lemon juice (for tang)
🍰 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dried Fruits and Nuts
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Soak dried fruits in warm water (or rum for an adult version) for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
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Toast nuts lightly in a dry pan, then chop coarsely. Let cool.
2. Make the Cake Batter
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans or line with parchment.
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In a mixing bowl, beat eggs with sugar until thick and pale (about 5-7 minutes).
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Add vanilla extract.
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Sift in flour and baking powder, fold gently until just combined.
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Fold in the dried fruits and nuts.
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Divide batter evenly between pans.
3. Bake
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Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Frosting
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In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
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Add vanilla (and lemon juice if using). Chill until needed.
5. Assemble the Cake
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Slice each cooled cake in half horizontally (optional, for more layers).
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Place one layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting.
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Repeat with remaining layers and frosting.
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Cover sides and top of cake. Optionally, garnish with chopped nuts or dried fruit on top.
6. Chill
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Let the cake sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight). This allows the layers to absorb moisture and meld flavors.
🍽 Serving Tips:
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Serve chilled.
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Best enjoyed within 2–3 days.
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Pairs wonderfully with black tea or coffee.