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Mary Berry Rich Fruit Cake

Mary Berry Rich Fruit Cake recipe
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Mary Berry’s rich fruit cake is a dense, luxurious cake made from mixed dried fruits, butter, brown sugar, warm spices, and citrus zest. It is baked slowly to keep the texture moist, and it stores exceptionally well—becoming richer and deeper in flavor over time.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 225g unsalted butter (softened)

  • 225g light brown sugar

  • 4 large eggs

  • 225g self-raising flour

  • 900g mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)

  • 100g glace cherries, halved

  • 100g mixed peel

  • Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange

  • 1 tsp mixed spice

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ½ tsp nutmeg

  • 3–4 tbsp milk (if needed)

  • Optional: 2 tbsp brandy or orange juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Tin

Line a deep 20cm tin with baking parchment, including the sides. Preheat your oven to 140°C (120°C fan) / 285°F.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat the butter and brown sugar until pale, creamy, and fluffy. This helps create a softer cake crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs Gradually

Add eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition. If the mixture curdles, add a spoonful of flour.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Spices

Fold in the self-raising flour, mixed spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg gently until combined.

Step 5: Add Fruits and Citrus Zest

Stir in the mixed dried fruit, glace cherries, peel, lemon zest, and orange zest. Add milk (or brandy/orange juice) if the batter feels too thick.

Step 6: Spoon Batter into Tin

Transfer the mixture to the prepared tin and level the surface with a spoon.

Step 7: Bake Slowly

Bake for 2 to 2½ hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Cover lightly with foil if the top browns too quickly.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 9: Optional: Mature the Cake

Wrap the cooled cake in parchment and foil. Store in an airtight tin to mature for 1–2 weeks, or brush lightly with brandy for deeper flavor.

Find it online: https://maryberrycooks.co.uk/mary-berry-rich-fruit-cake/