Easy Fruit Cake Recipe UK: A Delightfully Simple Bake

The aroma of a freshly baked fruit cake is pure nostalgia, transporting many back to childhood Christmases or cozy afternoon teas. But the idea of making one from scratch can seem daunting. This recipe dispels that myth, offering a wonderfully simple yet delicious fruit cake perfect for any occasion, whether it's a special celebration or a mid-week treat. This easy fruit cake recipe is specifically tailored for UK bakers, considering readily available ingredients.

Ingredients for your Easy UK Fruit Cake

This recipe prioritizes simplicity and uses readily available ingredients from your local UK supermarket.

• 225g (8oz) Butter, softened: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
• 225g (8oz) Caster sugar: Granulated sugar also works well.
• 4 large Eggs: Free range, if possible!
• 225g (8oz) Self-raising flour: This is a UK staple and simplifies the recipe.
• 1 tsp Baking powder: Ensures a light and fluffy texture.
• 1 tsp Mixed spice: A quintessential UK baking spice blend.
• 150g (5oz) Mixed dried fruit: Choose your favourite mix – sultanas, raisins, currants, cranberries are all popular choices.
• 50g (2oz) Chopped nuts (optional): Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a delightful crunch.
• 1 tbsp Milk (optional): To adjust consistency if the mixture is too thick.
• Glaze (optional): A simple apricot glaze or icing sugar adds a beautiful finish.

Method: Baking your Easy Fruit Cake

This step-by-step guide makes the baking process straightforward, even for beginners.

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 150°C (130°C fan/Gas Mark 2). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin. This is crucial for preventing sticking and ensures easy removal of your finished cake. Weigh out all your ingredients beforehand to make the process smoother.

Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step much easier, but it's perfectly doable by hand with a little elbow grease. This is key to achieving a light and airy cake.

Step 3: Adding Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a tablespoon of flour to help bring it back together.

Step 4: Incorporating Dry Ingredients

Gently fold in the self-raising flour and baking powder. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. Overmixing develops the gluten and can result in a tough cake.

Step 5: Adding Fruit and Nuts

Stir in the mixed dried fruit and chopped nuts (if using). Again, gentle folding is key to preserve the fruit's texture.

Step 6: Baking the Cake

Pour the mixture into your prepared tin and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes – 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Step 7: Cooling and Glazing

Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can glaze it with apricot jam, melted and brushed over the top, or dust it with icing sugar.

Tips for Success: Baking the Perfect Easy Fruit Cake

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
• Don't overmix: Overmixing leads to a tough cake. Gentle folding is key.
• Check for doneness: Use a skewer to test for doneness – it should come out clean when inserted into the centre.
• Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing or icing to prevent melting.
• Storage: Store your fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions: Enjoying your Easy Fruit Cake

This easy fruit cake is delicious on its own, served with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also enjoy it with a dollop of cream or custard for a more decadent treat. It makes a wonderful addition to any afternoon tea or celebratory gathering. Enjoy your baking!