Festive Fruit Cake Stollen

The Festive Fruit Cake Stollen is a deliciously rich and flavorful holiday treat. Perfect for the festive season, it offers a medley of fruits and nuts folded into a tender dough, creating a beautiful harmony of textures and tastes. A rich marzipan core adds a delightful sweetness, balanced by a touch of cardamom and nutmeg that enhances the flavor profile. Prepared traditionally, this Stollen takes some time but rewards with its sumptuous layers and enticing aroma. Once baked, a generous coating of butter and powdered sugar gives it the perfect holiday finish. This cake is best enjoyed sliced thin, showcasing the intricate mix of ingredients. It can be stored for weeks, making it a wonderful gift option during the holiday season. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed quietly at home, this cake promises warmth and cheer with every bite.

Ingredients

**Main Ingredients:** - 400 g wheat flour + 200 g for kneading - 200 g butter - 3 tbsp honey - 1 lemon, zest only - 0.5 kg assorted dried fruits - Marzipan - 50 g butter (for coating) - Powdered sugar (for coating) **Spices:** - 1/4 tsp cardamom - 2 tsp vanilla sugar - A pinch of nutmeg

Preparation Time

- Total: **4 hours** (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. **Prepare the Yeast Mixture:** Crumble the yeast and combine it with honey. Pour in lukewarm milk and stir until the yeast dissolves completely. 2. **Create the Starter Dough:** Add 200 g of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined, cover with plastic wrap, and let it ferment for 30 minutes. 3. **Enhance Flavor:** Once expanded, mix in the nutmeg, cardamom, vanilla sugar, and grated lemon zest. 4. **Prepare Fruit and Nuts:** Soak dried fruits in hot water to plump them up. Toast the nuts lightly before roughly chopping and mixing with the dough. 5. **Incorporate Additional Ingredients:** Gradually work in enough flour so the dough becomes pliable. 6. **Roll and Shape:** Roll the dough into a rectangle, place marzipan in the center, and fold the dough over to cover it, creating a long roll. 7. **Create Layers:** Fold a small portion back towards the opposite side, forming a three-layer fold—the base being the largest. 8. **Proofing:** Place the shaped dough on baking paper, cover with a towel, and let proof for another 30 minutes. 9. **Bake:** Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the Stollen for approximately 40 minutes, adjusting the time based on the cake’s size. 10. **Coat Post-Baking:** Remove from oven and generously brush with melted butter, then heavily dust with powdered sugar. Cool and wrap in foil. 11. **Storing:** Keep the cake in a cool place for up to a month. 12. **Slicing and Serving:** The classic firm texture of the Stollen allows for very thin slicing, unveiling its rich filling of assorted dried fruits and nuts. 13. **Enhanced Taste:** Thanks to ample butter usage, the Stollen is never crumbly or dry, exuding a mild and pleasing flavor.

Tips

- **Substitutions:** Use fresh orange zest for a citrus twist. - **Additional Flavor:** Incorporate a splash of rum or brandy for an extra depth of flavor. - **Kneading Tips:** Dust hands and surface with flour to prevent sticking while kneading.

Nutritions

- **Calories:** Approx. 400 per slice - **Protein:** 6g - **Fats:** 18g - **Carbs:** 55g

Variations

- **Gluten-Free Alternative:** Substitute wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend. - **Vegan Option:** Use coconut oil or plant-based butter and almond milk as substitutes for dairy ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

- **Pair With:** Hot mulled wine or a spiced chai latte. - **Garnish:** A dollop of whipped cream or alongside a cheese board for a savory contrast.

Best Places

- **Dresdner Stollen Shop** - Renowned for authentic Stollen. Location: Altmarkt 3, Dresden, Germany. - **Stollen Bakery Cafe** - Offers a modern twist on traditional Stollen. Location: 123 Stollen Lane, Berlin, Germany. - **The Cake Specialist** - Famous for its rich festive cakes. Location: 456 Sweet Street, Vienna, Austria. - **Patisserie Parisienne** - Known for exquisite marzipan desserts. Location: 789 Delight Blvd, Paris, France. - **Vienna's Bakery Delight** - Artisan approach to fruit-filled treats. Location: 101 Corniche Road, Vienna, Austria. - **Maison de Pâtisserie** - Specializes in luxurious European pastries. Location: 202 Dessert Avenue, Rome, Italy. - **House of Stollen** - Celebrated for classic flavors with modern flair. Location: 303 Confection Street, Munich, Germany. - **Swiss Delight Café** - Offers a variety of traditional festive treats. Location: 404 Alpine Way, Zurich, Switzerland. - **Napoli's Sweet Corner** - Home to Italian-style cakes with an essence of tradition. Location: 505 Dolce Lane, Naples, Italy. - **Choco & Stollen Haven** - Fuses chocolate and fruit for a delectable result. Location: 606 Cacao Crescent, Brussels, Belgium.