Description
Mary Berry’s Last-Minute Christmas Cake is a fruitcake recipe designed for those who need a quick yet delicious alternative to traditional Christmas cakes. The method involves boiling dried fruits with sugar, butter, and spices, which speeds up the process while ensuring the cake remains moist and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- Dried mixed fruits – 450g, including sultanas, currants, raisins, and candied peel.
- Butter – 150g, unsalted, adds richness.
- Soft brown sugar – 175g, for a deep caramel flavor.
- Golden syrup – 2 tablespoons, adds moisture.
- Water – 200ml, used to boil the fruit.
- Self-raising flour – 225g, ensures a light texture.
- Mixed spice – 1 teaspoon, for festive warmth.
- Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon, enhances the flavor.
- Eggs – 2 large, for structure.
- Almonds – 50g, chopped, adds texture (optional).
For Decoration (Optional):
- Marzipan – For a traditional finish.
- Ready-to-roll icing – Adds a festive touch.
- Edible decorations – For a personalized design.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Tin
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or 320°F.
- Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Boil the Fruits
- In a large saucepan, combine the dried mixed fruits, butter, sugar, golden syrup, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
- Once the fruit mixture has cooled slightly, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift in the flour, mixed spice, and cinnamon, and gently fold into the mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped almonds, if using, for added texture.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool the Cake
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Decorate (Optional)
- For a traditional finish, cover the cake with a layer of marzipan followed by ready-to-roll icing. Add edible decorations or ribbon for a festive touch.