Does soaking candied fruit in bourbon change the taste?

Does soaking candied fruit in bourbon change the taste? - Closeup cross section of lemon with fresh ripe juicy pulp

Recipe for fruitcake cookies calls for soaking candied fruit in bourbon overnight. Does this change the taste? Texture? Why do it?



Best Answer

Soaking dried fruit (in alcohol) is usually to soften it and deliver some flavour.

The same should be true here: It would have that effect with some candied fruit (citrus), but others probably wouldn't take up much liquid (cherries). The flavour may still change.

If avoiding alcohol (or the expense) orange juice is often used as a substitute in rich fruit cakes.

Note that cookie recipes, being rolled out rather thin, are prone to further drying fruit. Soaking will counteract that. It may be a bad idea to add the fruit to the rest of the dough too wet, so if the soaking liquid hasn't all been taken up, I'd expect to spoon the fruit in with a slotted spoon rather than tipping it in.




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Does soaking candied fruit in bourbon change the taste? - Closeup of slice of fresh juicy bright lemon placed on smooth pink surface



Quick Answer about "Does soaking candied fruit in bourbon change the taste?"

Soaking dried fruit (in alcohol) is usually to soften it and deliver some flavour. The same should be true here: It would have that effect with some candied fruit (citrus), but others probably wouldn't take up much liquid (cherries). The flavour may still change.

What happens when you soak fruit in alcohol?

The taste of the fruit will start to change after only a few hours (think of soaking fruit for a punch), from then the extraction of fruit flavours into the alcohol continues. For this approach, choose a liquor that complements your fruit because it will remain quite discernible.

What alcohol do you soak fruitcake in?

Evenly pour 1.5 - 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon, rum, brandy, or cognac, over the fruitcake. For a quick way to measure, use a standard-sized shot glass. Take care to pour slowly, allowing the liquor to absorb into the cake with minimal runoff.

How long will dried fruit soaked in alcohol last?

To prevent the fruits from drying out when baked, you must keep them moist. Alcohol is needed to soak the fruit (ideally brandy or rum). It works well for 1 month or up to a year as well.

What is the best alcohol to soak fruit in for Christmas cake?

The one and only trick is to keep the fruits moist and juicy before baking. For that fruits need to be soaked in alcohol (preferable brandy; rum. sherry also works well) properly for 1 month or upto a year.



Preparing \u0026 Toasting Oak To Age Spirits - Whiskey, Whisky or Moonshine




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