Easy Christmas Cake Recipe

Now you can make your own delicious Christmas Fruit Cake with this simple recipe. Load it with your favourite fruit, just the right amount of spice and a touch of brandy, or rum if you prefer. Tthis easy Christmas cake recipe will make you a hit with all the family.

For those fruit cake fans who can't resist, you don't even have to wait until christmas, you can enjoy it right now.

Ingredients

Plan to allow the fruit to soak overnight for best results.

500g Raisins

250g Pitted Prunes, chopped

125g Sultanas

125g Currants

250g Pitted Dates, chopped

200g Glace Cherries

1 cup Brandy (or Rum if you prefer)

250g Butter, cut into small pieces

1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla essence

4 Eggs

200g Dark chocolate

1/2 cup Apricot jam

1/2 cup Apricot nectar

2 cups Plain flour

1/2 cup Self-raising flour

1 tablespoon Cinnamon

1 tablespoon Icing sugar

Method

1. Mix the fruit in a large bowl and add the brandy (or Rum). Allow to soak overnight.

2. Preheat oven to 160 C, 325 F

3. Line a deep 23 cm (9 inch) round cake tin with a double layer of baking paper on the top and sides.

4. Mix the sugar, butter and vanilla until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well until all combined.

5. Stir the fruit into the mix and ensure it is thoroughly mixed in.

6. Melt the chocolate in a small pan over simmering water. Stir the apricot jam and nectar into the chocolate. Pour over the fruit mixture and stir in well.

7. Add all the flours and cinnamon to the mix. Fold in well. Pour the mix into the prepared tin and spread evenly. Tap the tin on the work table to settle the contents. Smooth the top with a wet hand.

8. Place the tin into the middle rack of the pre-heated oven. Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Test with a skewer to ensure baking. Then remove from the oven. Leaving the cake in the tin, wrap with kitchen towels and leave overnight.

9. Dust with Icing sugar before serving.

For different variations, you can try varying the amounts of fruit, or even add different dried fruits of your own choosing. Just ensure the total weight of fruit used remains the same.