Fruitcake Parfaits Recipes

FRESH FRUIT PARFAITS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine yogurt and whipped topping; set aside 4 teaspoons for topping. Spoon half of the remaining yogurt mixture into four parfait glasses; layer with half of the banana, sliced strawberries, pineapple and blueberries. Repeat layers. , Top each parfait with reserved yogurt mixture and a whole strawberry. Chill until serving.

THE BEST FRUITCAKE

Steps:

• Combine the raisins, currants, apricots, figs, prunes, dates, walnuts, pecans, orange zest, lemon zest, candied ginger, pumpkin pie spice and cloves in a large bowl and toss to combine. Add 1 cup of the brandy, orange liqueur and molasses and stir to coat. Cover and set aside to macerate overnight. (Alternatively, cover the bowl and microwave 2 minutes, or until very hot. Leave covered and let sit until almost all the liquid has been absorbed into the fruit and nuts, about 2 hours.)
• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Spray two 9-by-5-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray and line each with 2 pieces of parchment, one lengthwise and one crosswise, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side. Spray the parchment with cooking spray.
• Sprinkle 1/2 cup flour over the soaked fruit mixture and toss to coat. Whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
• Cream the butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in the vanilla. Reduce the speed to medium-low and beat in the flour mixture until the batter is blended and smooth. Pour the batter over the fruit mixture and fold with a rubber spatula until all the fruit is coated in batter.
• Divide the mixture evenly between the two prepared pans, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake until the cakes begin to pull away from the sides of the pans, the tops spring back slightly when pressed and a cake tester comes out clean, about 1 1/2 hours. Transfer to a wire rack and brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons brandy. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 15 minutes. Carefully remove each cake from its pan using the parchment overhang and place on the rack to cool completely.
• To store, wrap each loaf tightly in plastic and then foil. The wrapped fruitcakes can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.

HOLIDAY FRUIT PARFAIT

Steps:

• Combine cranberries, 1/3 cup water and sugar in heavy small saucepan. Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Boil until berries are soft, about 3 minutes; transfer to medium bowl and cool. Transfer 2 tablespoons cranberry mixture to small bowl and reserve for topping. Mix applesauce into remaining cranberry mixture. Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour.
• Arrange enough kiwi rounds in single layer on bottom of 8x41/2-inch trifle bowl or glass soufflé dish to cover. Stand remaining kiwis around bottom edge of bowl, pressing to adhere to sides. Spoon cranberry mixture over kiwis on bottom. Top with layer of tangerine segments, then pineapple cubes. Stir yogurt in medium bowl until smooth; mix in cinnamon. Spread yogurt evenly over fruit. Spoon reserved 2 tablespoons cranberry mixture atop center of yogurt; garnish with tangerine strips, if desired. Cover; chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.

MIXED FRUIT PARFAITS

Steps:

• Mix together the cream cheese, yogurt, sugar, and lemon juice.
• Fold in whipped cream.
• Put the blueberries in six parfait glasses.
• Add a spoonful or two of the whipped cream mixture.
• Add the peaches to each glass.
• Add the whipped cream again.
• Repeat with strawberries and grapes and more whipped cream.
• Sprinkle the sugar cookies on top.