Ragi dry fruit cake

RAGI DRY FRUIT CAKE

Whenever i prepare Christmas cake(Rich dry fruit cake),  the majority share is enjoyed by my hubby & this is the reason why i try my best to bake healthy cakes. 

I replaced maida with ragi flour as ragi (finger millet) is a healthy option. Its gluten free and rich in iron and calcium.   I used sprouted ragi flour,  however,  you can use normal ragi flour for this recipe. 

My latest discovery of ragi brownies inspired me to prepare this delicious cake.

I prepared this in small quantity as i was not sure of the results.  But to my surprise this cake turned out so delicious, that  none of the family members could make out the difference. This cake was as moist & delicious as the normal Christmas cake prepared using all purpose flour. 

Here i have used only 40 grams of butter & 25 ml ( around 4 tbsp) cold pressed virgin coconut oil. You can use equal amount of butter or normal oil or ghee for this recipe. 

I always use less sugar for this mixed dry fruits cake as the dry fruits used are loaded with natural sweetness.  

I used cashew nuts, almonds, apricots, dates, tutti frutti, cherries,  black & golden raisins .

This cake can be enjoyed for about a week in room temperature  &  for about a month in the refrigerator. 

Recipe is similar to my rich dry fruit cake recipe.  Just replace maida with ragi flour. 

RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS:

A

• 75 gms unsalted butter( i used only 40 grams butter +25 ml cold pressed virgin coconut oil)
• 100 gms organic brown sugar/ white sugar( i used only 75 gms)
• 3 eggs
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1/2 tsp mixed fruit essence or orange essence.

B

• 100 gms sprouted ragi flour/plain ragi flour
• 2 tbsp coco powder
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp mixed spice powder *
• Pinch of baking soda

C

• 300 gms of chopped mixed dry fruits
• 1tsp lemon zest
• 1tsp orange peel
• 2tbsp Rum (optional)
• Juice of half orange

D

3 tbsp sugar caramel

METHOD:

STEP 1 

Dry roast ragi flour on a low flame for 2-3 minutes or till its aromatic. 

STEP 2

Prepare sugar Caramel. Heat 2 tbsp sugar with 1 tbsp water . Boil till you get dark brown smokey liquid.  Slightly cool & add 2 tbsp water & boil again. Cool & keep aside. 

STEP 3

Chop required quantity dry fruits. Add lemon zest, orange peel, 2 tbsp rum, orange juice & mix well.  Keep aside for 5 minutes. 

Add 2 tbsp all purpose flour & mix well & keep aside. 

STEP 4:

Add all the ingredients mentioned under A to a large bowl & mix well with a whisk till sugar dissolves completely. 

Add sugar caramel.

STEP 5:

Sieve all the ingredients mentioned under B. 

STEP 6:

Add sieved dry ingredients to egg mixture.  Meanwhile preheat the oven. 

STEP 7:

Mix well  till everything is well combined.  

Add dry fruits. Gently fold in the mixture. 

STEP 8:

Grease a cake tin. 

Pour the mixture. 

STEP 9:

Bake in a preheated oven for 30-35 minutes at 180°C.  Insert a skewer & if it comes out clean, then your cake is baked perfectly. 

Remove from  the oven & cool completely. 

STEP 10

Slice as per your choice. Its moist and delicious. 

Delicious rich dry fruit cake is ready. 

Enjoy with your loved ones. 

*Please note: 

For mixed spice powder, you can grind 2 nutmegs, 1/4 cup cinnamon, 2 tbsp cloves to fine powder & store . OR you can use readymade powder.