Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
- ½ cup candied orange peel
- ½ cup candied cherries
- ¼ cup brandy or orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fruits: In a bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, candied orange peel, and cherries. Pour the brandy or orange juice over the mixture and let it soak for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Add the soaked fruit mixture and chopped nuts, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. For added flavor, brush the cake with brandy every few days.
Tips for Success:
- Customize the Fruits: Use your favorite dried fruits or candied peels to personalize the flavor.
- Make It Ahead: Fruit cake improves with age, so prepare it a few weeks in advance and store it properly.
- Decorate: Top the cake with marzipan or icing for a festive touch.
This fruit cake recipe is perfect for celebrations or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Its rich flavors and moist texture make it a crowd-pleaser. Let me know if you’d like ideas for variations or presentation!