Heavenly Moist Fruit Cake

Heavenly Moist Fruit Cake

Ingredients

 • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

 • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

 • ½ tsp baking soda

 • 1 tsp cinnamon powder

 • ½ tsp nutmeg powder

 • ½ tsp mixed spice (optional)

 • 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar

 • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened

 • 4 large eggs

 • ½ cup (120ml) milk or orange juice

 • 2 tbsp molasses or honey

 • 1 tsp vanilla extract

 • 2 ½ cups (375g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, apricots, cranberries, dates, cherries)

 • ½ cup (75g) mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews), chopped

 • Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon

 • 2 tbsp rum, brandy, or extra orange juice (for soaking fruits)

Instructions

Soak dried fruits in rum, brandy, or orange juice for at least 2 hours (overnight is better).

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, molasses, and zest. Add soaked fruits and nuts.

Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Fold into the wet mixture alternately with milk/orange juice until smooth.

Pour batter into a greased and lined loaf pan. Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 70–80 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.

While still warm, brush the top with extra rum or juice to lock in moisture. 

Let cool before slicing.