Mary Berry Pineapple Fruit Cake
Mary Berry’s Pineapple Fruit Cake is a classic fruit cake with a tropical twist, using canned pineapple alongside the traditional dried fruits. The cake is packed with flavor from the combination of sultanas, raisins, and mixed spices, with the pineapple adding a refreshing burst of moisture and sweetness. It’s a wonderful cake to serve with tea, as a dessert, or for celebrations.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 90
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
- Self-raising flour (225g): Helps the cake rise and creates a light texture.
- Butter (175g): Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Brown sugar (200g): Sweetens the cake and complements the fruity flavors.
- Eggs (3 large): Binds the ingredients and provides structure to the cake.
- Canned crushed pineapple (200g, drained): Adds moisture and a sweet, tangy flavor.
- Mixed dried fruits (250g): A blend of raisins, sultanas, and currants for richness.
- Mixed spice (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cake.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
- Glacé cherries (optional, 50g, halved): For an extra burst of sweetness and color.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Tin
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or 320°F. Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 4: Fold in the Pineapple and Dried Fruits
- Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, mixed dried fruits, and halved glacé cherries (if using). Make sure the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, mixed spice, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, ensuring everything is well combined but not overmixed.
Step 6: Transfer to the Cake Tin
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake browns too quickly, cover it with foil halfway through the baking process.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with a dusting of icing sugar if desired.