Hairy Bikers Boiled Fruit Cake Recipe
Dive into the world of traditional British baking with the Hairy Bikers' Boiled Fruit Cake, a moist and richly flavored delight that's perfect for any occasion. This cake stands out for its unique preparation method and the deep, comforting flavors it brings to your palate.
The Hairy Bikers' Boiled Fruit Cake Recipe: A Brief Overview
The Boiled Fruit Cake by the Hairy Bikers is a testament to the timeless appeal of fruit cakes in British baking. This particular recipe, shared by Sharon Holmes on the Hairy Bikers' Meals on Wheels, involves boiling mixed fruit, nuts, sugar, margarine, bicarbonate of soda, water, and brandy together before combining with flour, eggs, baking powder, mixed spice, and glacé cherries. This method ensures that the fruits and nuts are beautifully plump and flavorful, making the cake incredibly moist and delicious.
Ingredients for the Boiled Fruit Cake
- Mixed fruit, raisins, sultanas, chopped nuts, and walnuts: 900g
- Sugar: 350g
- Margarine: 350g
- Bicarbonate of soda: 1 tsp
- Cold water: 250ml
- Brandy: 250ml
- Plain flour: 240g
- Self-raising flour: 240g
- Free-range eggs (beaten): 4
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Mixed spice: 1 tsp
- Glacé cherries (chopped): 1 x 200g tub
Preparation Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven and preparing your loaf tins with grease and lining.
- Combine the mixed fruit, nuts, sugar, margarine, bicarbonate of soda, water, and brandy in a pan, bringing them to a boil before allowing to cool.
- Once cooled, integrate the dry ingredients and eggs into the mixture.
- Pour into the prepared tins and bake until a skewer comes out clean.
Storage and Reheating
To keep the cake moist and rich, wrap it in foil and store in an airtight container. It can be enjoyed for weeks if stored properly. For reheating, a low oven or brief microwave burst will bring out its best flavor.
Nutritional Information
This cake is rich in flavors and also in calories, with each serving offering a mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and sugars. Specifically, expect around 505.8 calories per serving, with notable amounts of carbohydrates (97g) and fats (12.8g).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute any of the fruits? A: Yes, but keep the overall weight consistent for the best results.
Q: Is it possible to make this cake alcohol-free? A: Absolutely, replace the brandy with an equal amount of juice or water for a non-alcoholic version.
Enjoy the Hairy Bikers' Boiled Fruit Cake as a splendid addition to your tea time or as a festive treat. Its rich, moist texture and deep, complex flavors make it a beloved recipe that stands the test of time.