Ingredients
- 250g mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots, dates)
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 100g brown sugar
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 120ml milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: If using larger dried fruits like apricots or dates, chop them into smaller pieces. You can soak the mixed dried fruits in a little brandy, rum, or orange juice for 30 minutes to 1 hour for extra moisture and flavor (optional but traditional).
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a loaf tin or round cake tin (about 20cm/8 inch) with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Toss a tablespoon of this flour mixture with the dried fruits to coat them lightly (this helps prevent them from sinking).
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a spoonful of the flour mixture.
- Combine: Gently fold in half of the flour mixture, then add the milk, then fold in the remaining flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Add fruit: Fold in the dried fruits (and any soaking liquid if you used it) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once cooled, you can dust with icing sugar or brush with apricot jam for a glossy finish. The cake tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors develop. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Tips:
- For extra richness, you can feed the cake with a tablespoon of brandy or rum every few days
- Add mixed spice, nutmeg, or ginger for more warming spices
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) make a lovely addition
Enjoy your festive baking!
