Christmas Cake Using 1kg Mixed Fruit

Vonbon Hill

2 min read

·

22-11-2024

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The aroma of spiced fruitcake is synonymous with Christmas. This year, ditch the store-bought variety and create your own masterpiece using a generous 1kg of mixed fruit. This recipe delivers a moist, richly flavored cake perfect for sharing with loved ones throughout the festive season.

Preparing the Fruit

1kg Mixed Fruit: The foundation of your cake. Choose a high-quality mix containing raisins, currants, sultanas, and candied peel.

• Soaking: Before you begin, soak the fruit in 1 cup of brandy or rum (or a combination of both) and 1/4 cup of water for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This infuses the fruit with flavour and ensures a wonderfully moist cake.

The Cake Batter

Ingredients:

• 250g softened butter
• 250g light brown soft sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 250g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp milk (optional, for extra moisture)

Instructions:

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best achieved using an electric mixer.
2. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
3. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, mixed spice, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Incorporate Fruit: Gently fold in the soaked mixed fruit, along with any remaining liquid from the soaking process.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into a well-greased and lined 23cm round cake tin. Bake in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F/Gas Mark 2) for approximately 3 hours. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the centre; it should come out clean.
7. Cool: Let the cake cool completely in the tin before icing.

Icing Suggestions

Once cooled, unleash your creativity! Classic options include a rich buttercream frosting, marzipan, or a simple dusting of icing sugar.

Tips for Success

• Soaking Time: The longer you soak the fruit, the more intensely flavored your cake will be.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake.
• Check for Doneness: Use a skewer to test for doneness to avoid underbaking or overbaking.
• Cooling Time: Allowing the cake to cool completely prevents the icing from melting.

This recipe allows for customization. Feel free to add other spices like cardamom or allspice to suit your preference. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious and festive treat! Merry Christmas!