Eggless Buttermilk Fruit cake

Easy buttermilk fruit cake is a delicious and eggless cake . I know fruit cake is popularly prepared during Christmas time but this cake is so easy that I prepare it all the time:) This is a simple recipe where in we just use candied fruits but you can make this recipe much more elaborate by adding additional ingredients like dates, nuts, figs , raisins or nuts along with the candied fruits.

I have already posted another Buttermilk Fruitcake.  This is yet another version of this delicious fruitcake. This is a simpler recipe that can be given an elaborate approach if needed.

I have used store bought buttermilk. You can use buttermilk powder instead or just make your own butter milk. To make your own butter milk, mix a tablespoon of lemon juice in 1 cup (240 ml) of milk. Let it stand for a couple of minutes and your butter milk is ready.

INGREDIENTS:
Note: All measurements are based on the US measuring cup and spoon sizes where 1 cup = 235 ml

• All purpose flour : 200 grams (1 1/2 cup ) 
• Baking Soda : 1 tsp
• Salt : 1/4 tsp
• Cinnamon : 3/4 tsp
• Nutmeg : 1/4 tsp
• Dry ginger powder : 1/4 tsp
• Buttermilk (at room temperature ) : 1 cup or 240 ml
• Unsalted butter : 113 gm or 1/2 cup or 1 stick 
• Light brown sugar : 150 gm or 3/4 cup (tightly packed)
• Pure Vanilla Extract : 1/2 tsp
• Candied fruits : 1.5 cups //see notes below//

PROCEDURE :

• Melt the butter and set it aside so that it cools to room temperature.
• Grease a loaf pan and dust it with flour or just use a baking spray like I did. Preheat the oven to 325 F (Note : I have used a dark nonstick pan which tends to absorb more heat, hence the temperature is 325 F. If you are using a lighter colored, dull looking aluminium pan, then preheat the oven to 350 F).

• Take two separate mixing bowls (One for dry ingredients and one for wet). In one mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, baking soda and the spices. Whisk it well so that they are mixed properly. Now add the candied fruits .Mix well so that the flour coats the candied fruits. This will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan.

• In the second mixing bowl, mix the buttermilk and brown sugar. Add the vanilla extract. Finally add the melted butter.

• Add the  buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture. Gently mix and immediately pour the batter to the prepared pan.

• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

• Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let the pan rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, run a butter knife through the edges of the pan. Carefully , invert the cake to a cooling rack. Let the cake cool well before cutting slices. (Note : you will not get perfect slices if you cut the cake when it is hot).

Notes:

I have used candied fruits (or as the box says, fruitcake mix). Its usually available in most grocery stores during Christmas. (Check the picture below)

I have used 1.5 cups of candied fruits. But you can use 1 cup of candied fruits and 1/2 cup of a combination of dates, figs, raisins or nuts. I wanted to keep the recipe simple, hence stuck with just the candied fruits.