Nutty Frutas Bolo Rei
A festive holiday cake bursting with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Rich, sweet, and aromatic, this traditional Portuguese treat is perfect for Christmas celebrations.
ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped dried figs
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup candied orange peel
- 1/2 cup candied lemon peel
- 1/2 cup dark rum
- 1/2 cup warm milk
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Whole almonds for decoration
- Glaze (optional)
steps
- 1.
In a large bowl, combine dried fruits, nuts, and candied peels. Pour rum over mixture, cover, and let soak overnight.
- 2.
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let stand for 10 minutes.
- 3.
In a separate bowl, sift flour. Add sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and spices. Mix well.
- 4.
Gradually add yeast mixture to flour mixture, stirring until dough forms.
- 5.
Knead dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes. Add soaked fruits and nuts, knead until evenly distributed.
- 6.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size (about 2 hours).
- 7.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking sheet.
- 8.
Punch down dough and shape into a ring on the baking sheet. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- 9.
Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
- 10.
Dust with powdered sugar and decorate with whole almonds. Optionally, brush with glaze.
