Decorative Cakes Recipes -  Basics (Rich Fruit Cake)

Ingredients

• 425g/15 ox Mixed dried fruit

• 50g/2 oz Glace cherries

• 25g/1 oz Flaked almonds (optional)

• 1/2 tsp ground mixed spice

• 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest

• 1 tbsp Brandy

• 160g/5 1/2 oz butter

• 160g/5 1/2 oz soft dark brown sugar

• 2 medium eggs

• 200g/7 oz plain flour

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Method:

1. Place the dried fruit, cherries, peel, almonds, spice and lemon zest in a large bowl. Pour over the brandy and mix well. Leave to soak overnight.

2. Double line the base and sides of an 8cm/3 inch deep cake tin with greaseproof paper., Warp the outside with double-thickness brown paper, secure with string. Place on a baking sheet lined with 3-4 thicknesses of brown paper or newspaper. Preheat the oven to 140°C/275°F/Gas mark 1.

3. Cream the butter and sugar until lightly and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gold in the sifted flour, then the fruit mixture. Place in the prepared tin and smooth the top with the back of a wet metal spoon. Bake.

4. Leave the cake to cook in the tin. When cold, turn out and warp in foil until required.