Mary Berry’s Boiled Fruit Cake

by

Introduction

Mary Berry’s Boiled Fruit Cake is a timeless classic that combines rich, plump dried fruits with warm spices and a hint of citrus. Unlike traditional fruit cakes, this recipe involves boiling the fruits with butter, sugar, and water, ensuring they become soft, tender, and deeply flavorful. The resulting cake is moist, dense, and packed with deliciousness in every bite. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy during the holiday season or serve with afternoon tea. Even if you’re not a fan of regular fruit cake, you might find yourself loving this delightful version!

Ingredients Quantity

  • Mixed dried fruits: 1 pound (about 450g), e.g., raisins, currants, sultanas, and chopped dates
  • Butter: 1 cup (225g)
  • Brown sugar: 1 cup (200g), packed
  • Water: 1 cup (240ml)
  • Golden syrup: 2 tablespoons (or honey if unavailable)
  • Ground mixed spice: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon
  • Self-raising flour: 2 cups (250g)
  • All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125g)
  • Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
  • Eggs: 3 large, beaten
  • Lemon zest: 1 tablespoon
  • Orange zest: 1 tablespoon
  • Chopped nuts: ½ cup (optional), e.g., walnuts or almonds

Optional Ingredients

  • Cherries: ½ cup, chopped, for a pop of color and sweetness.
  • Brandy or Rum: 2 tablespoons, for a deeper flavor.
  • Glazed fruit: ½ cup, to add a decorative touch.

Instructions

Preparing the Boiled Fruit Mixture

  1. Boil the Fruits: In a large saucepan, combine the mixed dried fruits, butter, brown sugar, water, golden syrup, ground mixed spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure everything is well-combined.
  3. Cook: Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the fruits to absorb the liquid.
  4. Cool: Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely, about 30 minutes. Cooling is important to prevent curdling when you add the eggs later.

Mixing the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20cm) round or square cake tin with parchment paper.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, all-purpose flour, and baking soda.
  3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Once the fruit mixture has cooled, add the beaten eggs, lemon zest, and orange zest. Stir well to combine.
  4. Fold into the Flour: Gradually fold the cooled fruit mixture into the flour mixture until just combined. If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts and optional ingredients like cherries or glazed fruit. Do not overmix.

Baking the Cake

  1. Transfer to Tin: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and level the top with a spatula.
  2. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 1 ½ – 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with a piece of aluminum foil.
  3. Cool in the Tin: Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the tin. This helps maintain the cake’s moisture and structure.

Serving

  1. Slice and Serve: Serve in slices, either plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips for Success

  • Boiling the Fruit: Make sure to cool the fruit mixture completely before adding to the dry ingredients to avoid curdling the eggs.
  • Lining the Tin: Line the cake tin with a double layer of parchment paper to prevent the edges from drying out during the long bake time.
  • Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cake in the final stages of baking, as overbaking can cause the cake to become dry.

Recommendations

  • Storing: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it often tastes better the next day!
  • Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Gifting: This cake makes a wonderful gift during the holidays. Wrap it in decorative paper and tie with a ribbon for a festive presentation.

Enjoy this rich and fruity cake that’s full of classic flavors and perfect for any occasion! 🍰✨

Leave a Comment