Mary Berry's Easy Fruit Cake Recipe: A Simple Delight for Every Occasion
Mary Berry, a household name synonymous with baking excellence, has graced our kitchens with countless recipes. Among her repertoire, her easy fruit cake recipe stands out – a delightful balance of simplicity and deliciousness, perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. This blog post will guide you through a detailed, SEO-optimized version of Mary Berry's easy fruit cake recipe, ensuring your baking success.
Why Choose Mary Berry's Easy Fruit Cake Recipe?
Mary Berry's recipes are renowned for their clarity, reliability, and, most importantly, their delicious results. This easy fruit cake recipe is no exception. It's:
- Simple: The method is straightforward, making it accessible to even beginner bakers.
- Delicious: The result is a moist, flavorful fruit cake perfect for any occasion.
- Versatile: It can be adapted to suit your preferences, adding different fruits or spices.
- Time-efficient: While a fruit cake traditionally requires long baking times, this recipe streamlines the process.
Ingredients for Mary Berry's Easy Fruit Cake:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, minimizing the need for specialized trips to the grocery store. Ensure you have these items before you begin:
- 200g (7 oz) self-raising flour
- 200g (7 oz) currants
- 200g (7 oz) raisins
- 100g (3.5 oz) mixed peel
- 100g (3.5 oz) soft brown sugar
- 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for extra moisture)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Mary Berry's Easy Fruit Cake
Follow these steps carefully to achieve the perfect Mary Berry easy fruit cake:
-
Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 150°C (130°C fan/Gas Mark 2). Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) round cake tin. This preparation is crucial for easy removal and a neat finish.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Add the mixed spice, currants, raisins, and mixed peel. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
-
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, contributing to a lighter texture. Use an electric mixer for best results.
-
Add Eggs Gradually: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a tablespoon of milk to restore the consistency.
-
Combine Wet & Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, ensuring everything is well combined but avoiding overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
-
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool & Enjoy: Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can dust it with icing sugar or enjoy it as is.
Tips & Variations for Your Easy Fruit Cake:
- For a richer flavor: Consider adding a tablespoon of dark rum or brandy to the batter.
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch.
- Glaze it: A simple glaze made with icing sugar and milk or lemon juice adds a beautiful finish.
- Storage: Store your fruit cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Mary Berry Fruit Cake Awaits!
With its simple instructions and delicious outcome, Mary Berry's easy fruit cake recipe is a must-try for any baker. Following these steps and incorporating your personal touches will result in a delightful treat perfect for sharing with friends and family. Remember to share your baking creations using #MaryBerryFruitCake! Happy baking!
