Mary Berry's Boiled Fruit Cake

Mary Berry's Boiled Fruit Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that encapsulates the essence of traditional British baking. Its dense, moist texture and rich fruity flavor make it a perfect treat for various occasions. Let's dive into the details of this classic recipe.

Mary Berry, a revered figure in British baking, offers a boiled fruit cake that stands out for its simplicity and rich flavor profile. This cake is known for its moist texture and is packed with dried fruits and spices, making it a perennial favorite.

Ingredients List

The key ingredients for Mary Berry's Boiled Fruit Cake include:

• 397g condensed milk
• 150g butter
• Dried fruits: 225g raisins, 225g sultanas, 175g currants, and 175g glacier cherries
• 225g self-raising flour
• Spices: 2 tsp ground mixed spice, 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs

Preparation Instructions

The preparation process involves several steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F) for conventional ovens or 130°C (266°F) for fan ovens, and prepare an 18cm round cake tin with baking parchment.
2. Boil the fruits and butter by combining the condensed milk, butter, and dried fruits in a saucepan. Heat gently until the butter melts, then simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Cool the mixture for at least 10 minutes.
4. Prepare the batter by sifting the flour and spices into a mixing bowl, then adding the eggs and cooled fruit mixture.
5. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for approximately 1¾ – 2 hours.
6. Cool and serve the cake in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Storage and Reheating

The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week and frozen for up to three months. To reheat, use a microwave or oven as suitable.

Nutritional Information

Each slice of the cake contains approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Total fat: 12g
• Saturated fat: 7g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Total carbs: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 28g
• Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
  Yes, it's perfect for making 1-2 weeks in advance.
• Can I use different dried fruits?
  Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your preferred dried fruits.
• Is it necessary to use alcohol?
  No, the cake will be moist and delicious without it, but you can brush it with brandy or rum for extra flavor.
• What type of pan should I use?
  A round 9-inch cake pan or a 9-inch springform pan is ideal.

Mary Berry's Boiled Fruit Cake is a testament to the charm of traditional British baking. It’s a versatile cake that's not only rich in flavor but also relatively easy to make. Perfect for any festive occasion or a cozy afternoon tea, this cake is sure to delight everyone.