Why does fruit cake take so long to bake?

Table of Contents:

1. Why does fruit cake take so long to bake?
2. How do you know when fruit cake is done?
3. How do you store a fruit cake after baking?
4. When should you bake your Christmas cake?
5. Do you need to refrigerate fruit cake?

Why does fruit cake take so long to bake?

Fruitcakes do not rise when baking because they do not have too many leavening agents or lots of eggs. But a ⅔ full pan is always good for even baking in cakes. ... It does take longer to bake with the slow cooking. Ensure oven temperature is low so the batter will cook evenly without drying out the fruit.

How do you know when fruit cake is done?

Test for doneness by placing a metal/wooden skewer in center of cake. If it comes out clean, cake is done. Be careful not to over bake. Always cool fruitcakes completely in pan and remove when cold.

How do you store a fruit cake after baking?

Fruitcake should be tightly wrapped and stored in a cool, dry place while aging. If you wrapped your cake in soaked cheesecloth, resoak the cloth once a week and age for six weeks to three months. Cakes simply wrapped in plastic wrap should be brushed with more alcohol every few days during the first two months.

When should you bake your Christmas cake?

It's best to get baking around two or three months before Christmas. This gives you plenty of time to let it mature and 'feed' your Christmas Cake regularly as the big day approaches.

Do you need to refrigerate fruit cake?

Fruitcakes taste better when the are 'ripe'. Proper ripening takes at least one month. Once they are properly wrapped, cakes should be stored in a cool place or in a refrigerator. Fruitcakes should be brushed or spritzed weekly with liquor to maintain moisture and intensify flavors.