Description

The Hairy Bikers’ Boiled Fruit Cake is a traditional fruit cake made by boiling dried fruits with butter, sugar, and spices before mixing them with flour and eggs and baking to perfection. This method ensures that the cake is moist and packed with rich flavor. It’s often served plain or with a light dusting of icing sugar and can be stored for a longer time than other cakes.

Ingredients

Mixed dried fruits (500g): A mixture of raisins, sultanas, currants, and chopped mixed peel adds flavor and texture.
Butter (175g): Provides richness and moisture to the cake.
Brown sugar (200g): Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
Water (300ml): Helps to soften and plump the dried fruits.
Plain flour (275g): Forms the base of the cake batter.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and become light.
Mixed spice (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Eggs (2 large, beaten): Bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
Bicarbonate of soda (½ teaspoon): Helps create a lighter texture.
Icing sugar (optional, for dusting): To lightly dust the top of the cake.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin

Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or 325°F. Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin with parchment paper.

Step 2: Boil the Fruit Mixture

In a large saucepan, combine the mixed dried fruits, butter, brown sugar, and water. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and mixed spice. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once the fruit mixture has cooled, stir in the beaten eggs and vanilla extract.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using a spatula or wooden spoon, until well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Transfer to the Cake Tin

Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust the top with icing sugar if desired before serving.