Boiled Fruit Cake
Boiled Fruit Cake is a treasured family recipe that stands out due to its unique preparation method – boiling the fruit mixture before baking. This step ensures the cake is exceptionally moist and flavorful, featuring a mix of crushed pineapple, mixed dried fruits, and a rich blend of spices. It’s a recipe passed down through generations, becoming a beloved treasure for its irresistible texture and depth of flavor.
Prep Time
20 minutes (+ fruit soaking overnight)
Cooking Time
2 hours
Servings
This recipe yields 12 servings.
Ingredients
- Mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants, dates/prunes/apricots), soaked overnight in brandy: 500g / 1.1 lbs
- Brandy for soaking: 100ml / 3.4 fl oz
- Canned crushed pineapple: 200g / 7 oz
- Plain (all-purpose) flour: 1 cup (120g / 4.2 oz)
- Self-raising flour: 1 cup (120g / 4.2 oz)
- Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda): 1 tsp (5g / 0.18 oz)
- Butter: 225g / 8 oz
- Sugar (mix of brown and white): 200g / 7 oz
- Eggs: 2 large
- Chopped pecans: 100g / 3.5 oz
- Blanched almonds (optional): 50g / 1.75 oz
- Extra brandy for finishing (optional): 2 tbsp (30ml / 1 fl oz)
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice): 1 tsp each (5g / 0.18 oz each)
Method
- Begin by soaking the mixed dried fruits in brandy overnight.
- In a large saucepan, combine the soaked fruits, crushed pineapple, butter, sugar, and spices. Bring to a simmer and cook until the mixture is well combined and aromatic.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then mix in eggs one at a time, ensuring they're fully integrated.
- Gradually fold in both plain and self-raising flours along with the bicarbonate of soda, making sure no lumps remain.
- Stir in the chopped pecans for added texture.
- Prepare a cake tin by greasing and lining it, then pour the cake mixture into the tin.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 150°C (302°F) for approximately 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Optionally, finish the cake with a drizzle of extra brandy and garnish with blanched almonds.
Boiled Fruit Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a journey through time, carrying the essence of family tradition and warmth. Its unique boiling step before baking ensures a moist, flavor-packed cake that’s enriched with spices, fruits, and nuts. Perfect for any celebration or as a comforting treat, it promises to be a memorable indulgence that keeps well, ensuring its place at your table for generations.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg