Best Ugli Fruit Cake Recipes: A Deliciously Unexpected Treat

Ugli fruit cake? Yes, you read that right! Intrigued? I was too when I first heard about it. This surprisingly delightful cake uses the unique, tangy-sweet flavor of ugli fruit to create a moist and flavorful treat that’s perfect any time of year. Forget the traditional fruitcake that often gets regifted – these ugli fruit cake recipes are guaranteed to be devoured. In this guide, we’ll explore the Best Ugli Fruit Cake Recipes, from classic variations to modern twists, ensuring you find the perfect ugli fruit cake to impress your friends and family.

Discovering the Magic of Ugli Fruit in Cakes

Ugli fruit, a happy accident of nature, is a citrus hybrid with a bumpy exterior that hides a juicy, sweet-tart interior. It’s a fantastic addition to cakes, lending a unique flavor profile that’s both refreshing and comforting. Its tanginess complements the sweetness of the cake batter beautifully, creating a balanced and unforgettable taste. Why choose ugli fruit over other citrus fruits? Well, its unique blend of sweetness and tartness offers a complexity that’s hard to beat. Think of it as the perfect harmony between a grapefruit, an orange, and a tangerine.

Classic Ugli Fruit Cake Recipe: A Timeless Treat

This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate traditional flavors. It’s simple to make, yet delivers a sophisticated taste that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup ugli fruit juice
• 1/2 cup chopped ugli fruit segments

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the ugli fruit juice, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped ugli fruit segments.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting or serving.

Ugli Fruit Upside-Down Cake: A Showstopper Dessert

This recipe turns the classic cake on its head, literally! The caramelized ugli fruit on top creates a beautiful presentation and a burst of flavor with every bite. Ever wondered how to elevate your ugli fruit cake game? This is it.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup sliced ugli fruit

For the cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter in a 9-inch round cake pan. Stir in brown sugar and arrange ugli fruit slices over the mixture.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter over the ugli fruit mixture in the pan.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.

Ugli Fruit Upside-Down Cake: A visually stunning and delicious dessert.

Spiced Ugli Fruit Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Festive Delight

Looking for the perfect holiday cake? This spiced ugli fruit cake with cream cheese frosting is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The warm spices perfectly complement the tangy ugli fruit, creating a festive and flavorful treat.

Ingredients:

Follow the Classic Ugli Fruit Cake recipe, adding 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves to the dry ingredients.

For the frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons ugli fruit juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the spiced ugli fruit cake according to the Classic Ugli Fruit Cake recipe.
2. While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla and ugli fruit juice.
3. Frost the cooled cake and enjoy.

Spiced Ugli Fruit Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A perfect holiday treat!

Ugli Fruit and Poppy Seed Cake: A Delightful Twist

This recipe combines the unique flavor of ugli fruit with the subtle crunch of poppy seeds. It’s a delightful twist on a classic cake that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Want to try something different? This recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients:

Follow the Classic Ugli Fruit Cake recipe, adding 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dry ingredients and reducing the ugli fruit juice to 1/4 cup.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ugli fruit and poppy seed cake according to the modified Classic Ugli Fruit Cake recipe.
2. Bake and cool as directed. This cake is delicious on its own or with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and ugli fruit juice.

These are just a few of the many delicious ugli fruit cake recipes you can try. So, next time you’re looking for a unique and flavorful cake, give ugli fruit a try. You won’t be disappointed! What’s your favorite way to enjoy ugli fruit? Share your thoughts and baking adventures in the comments below!