Description
A classic, rich, and moist Fruit Cake filled with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices — perfect for holidays or special occasions. This traditional recipe yields a dense, flavorful cake that gets even better with time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, cherries, apricots, etc.)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice or brandy (for soaking)
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (60g) chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
Instructions
- Soak the dried fruits in orange juice or brandy for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a loaf pan or 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until the batter is smooth.
- Drain the soaked fruits (reserve soaking liquid if desired) and fold them into the batter along with chopped nuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake completely, then brush with reserved soaking liquid or additional brandy if desired. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 weeks to develop flavor.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, soak fruits for several days and feed the cake with a little brandy or rum weekly.
- Use a mix of colorful dried fruits for a festive look.
- Fruit cake improves in flavor after a few days of resting.
- Store in an airtight container wrapped in foil or parchment paper.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British