Cakes With Fruit

FAQS

What fruit is in season?

• Fruit in season will be perfectly ripe and is usually sold at a lower price than when not in season.
  • spring. apricots, cherries, honeydew, jackfruit, mango, lychee, oranges, pineapple, rhubarb, strawberries, peaches, plums, bananas, kiwi, rhubarb, and lemons.
  • summer. banana, blackberries, pears, berries, melons, grapes, cherry, figs, citrus fruits, lychee, stone fruit, mangoes, pineapple, passion fruit, apples, nectarines, apricots, peaches, and plums.
  • autumn. asian pear, cactus pear, gooseberries, grapes, huckleberries, passion fruit, pineapple, apples, persimmons, pomegranate, pumpkin, apple, apricots, and peaches.
  • winter. apples, pomegranate, bananas, cranberry, lemon, lime, orange, clementine, grapefruit, dates, kiwi, pears, red currents, cactus pear, and persimmons.

Top Tips when making cakes with fruit?

1. Frozen fruit. Unless used as a garnish, often frozen fruit can be used. Thaw and drain the extra liquid, to avoid a mushy and wet dessert.
2. Fresh fruit. Especially when sliced, may weep juices. Add a cream frosting before topping to prevent soggy cake.
3. Wait to add. Since fruit often weeps, add the fruit topping to the cake as close to the serving time as possible.
4. Cutting fruit. Prepare and cut the fruit uniform in size and shape, especially when baking, for an even bake and uniform texture.
5. Browning fruit. Treat fresh-cut fruit with Fruit Fresh Powder, or dip it in diluted lemon juice to prevent discoloring.
6. Prevent fruit from sinking in batter. Lightly toss the fruit in all-purpose flour, or a spoonful of the dry cake powder before folding it into the cake batter.
7. Adding fruit to classic recipes. Sponge cake and Angel Food Cake often display a beautiful fruit topping. An Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe or Vanilla Cake is perfect for adding fresh fruit between the cake layers.
8. Coat with preserves. Brush a thin layer of warm fruit preserves over the fruit topping to give it a nice sheen and prevent drying out. Or individually brush the fruits with the preserves before placing them on the cake.
   • Warm apricot jam works well for yellow fruits. Warm red currant preserves work well to brush over red fruits. Neutral-flavored glaze found in the produce section will also work.
9. Frosted fruit appearance. This would be perfect for Christmas fruit cakes, or a special occasion. This works best for uncut fruits such as grapes, whole strawberrie
   • In a bowl add the egg white from a pasteurized egg and beat. 
   • Sift extra fine powdered sugar into a separate bowl. 
   • Dip the fruit into the egg white and then into the sugar
   • Place the fruit on parchment paper to dry.