The cake made with a lot of Dried Fruit is not only for Christmas time. I crave this type of cake every now and then. There are many recipes and you probably have your own recipe. This is my recipe that is suitable for my family and my cake tin. I always use a 375g packet of Mixed Dried Fruit, and this cake is still very sweet but not overwhelmingly sweet.

Cake Tin

20cm Round Cake Tin *OR similar size tin

Ingredients

1 packet (375g) Mixed Dried Fruit *about 2 cupfuls
*Note: The packet that I use contains Raisins, Sultanas, Black Currants, Mixed Peel and Glace Cherries. I strongly recommend to include some Citrus Peel.
1/4 cup Brandy OR Rum *OR Orange Juice
125g Butter *softened
1/2 cup Brown Sugar *OR 1/3 cup for less sweet cake
1 pinch Salt
2 large Eggs *at room temperature
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons Mixed Spice *OR mix of Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove, etc.
3/4 cup Self-Raising Flour
1/2 cup chopped Walnuts *OR Almond Flakes, slivered Almonds, chopped Pecans, etc.

Method
  1. Place Dried Fruit in a bowl, add Brandy (OR Rum), mix to combine, and set aside for a few hours (OR for a few days if you have time). *Note: Heat in the microwave for 1 minute to warm up, so that Dried Fruit soak up Brady (OR Rum) quickly and will be ready in 1 hour.
  2. Preheat oven to 170°C. Line the base and sides of a cake tin with baking paper.
  3. Beat softened Butter, Brown Sugar and Salt in a mixing bowl with a whisk until creamy. Add Eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Add Vanilla and Spices, mix well, then fold in Self-Raising Flour with a spatula or large metal spoon until just combined. Add soaked Dried Fruit and Nuts, and mix to combine.
  5. Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake tin and smooth the surface. Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes OR until cooked through. Cover with a sheet of foil when it gets too dark. Stand the cake in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack and cool completely.

  6. *Note: You may wish to serve this cake with ‘Brandy Custard Sauce’ OR ‘Custard Powder Custard’.