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Hairy Bikers Boiled Fruit Cake

A rich and moist cake blended with a medley of sweet fruits, perfect for gatherings or quiet afternoons with tea.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: British
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the fruit mixture
  • 125 g unsalted butter
  • 175 g light brown sugar
  • 200 g raisins
  • 200 g sultanas
  • 100 g currants
  • 50 g mixed candied peel
  • 225 ml water
For the cake batter
  • 225 g self-raising flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons mixed spice
  • 0.5 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan). Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking parchment.
  2. In a large saucepan, add the butter, brown sugar, raisins, sultanas, currants, mixed peel, and water. Heat gently until the butter melts, then bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and leave the mixture to cool for around 15 minutes.
  4. Stir in the self-raising flour, mixed spice, and bicarbonate of soda until fully combined.
  5. Mix in the beaten eggs until you have a thick cake batter with the fruit evenly distributed.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top.
Baking
  1. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
Serving
  1. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy with tea or coffee.

Notes

Using high-quality dried fruit can elevate the taste of your cake. Consider adding a splash of brandy or orange juice for a hint of citrus brightness.