Mary Berry’s Boiled Fruit Cake

Here’s a simple recipe for Mary Berry’s Boiled Fruit Cake:

Ingredients

• For the fruit mix:
  • 450g mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, sultanas, and currants)
  • 100g chopped nuts (optional)
  • 150ml water
  • 150g brown sugar
  • 1 tsp mixed spice or ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking soda
• For the cake:
  • 225g plain flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit Mix:
   • In a saucepan, combine the mixed dried fruit, nuts, water, brown sugar, and mixed spice.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda. Allow to cool.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Grease and line a round cake tin (about 20cm).
3. Mix the Cake Batter:
   • In a bowl, sift the flour and baking powder together.
   • In another bowl, beat the eggs and add the vanilla extract and citrus zest.
   • Fold the cooled fruit mixture into the egg mixture, then gradually fold in the flour until well combined.
4. Bake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin.
   • Bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool:
   • Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips

• For added flavor, you can soak the dried fruits in tea or juice overnight.
• This cake improves with age, so it’s great for making ahead of time!

Enjoy your baking!