Hairy Bikers Boiled Fruit Cake Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Boiled Fruit Cake Recipe is a moist and rich cake, which includes mixed dried fruit and glacé cherries. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Jump to Recipe

Hairy Bikers Boiled Fruit Cake Recipe Ingredients

• 900g mixed fruit (raisins, sultanas, chopped nuts, walnuts)
• 350g sugar
• 350g margarine or butter
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 250ml cold water
• 250ml brandy
• 240g all-purpose flour
• 240g self-raising flour
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 x 200g tub glacé cherries, chopped

How To Make Hairy Bikers Boiled Fruit Cake Recipe

1. Boil the fruit mixture: Preheat oven to 150°C (130°C Fan / Gas 3). Grease and line three loaf tins. In a large saucepan, combine mixed fruit, nuts, sugar, margarine, bicarbonate of soda, water, and brandy. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat immediately.
2. Cool the mixture: Let the boiled fruit mixture cool completely before proceeding. This helps avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
3. Make the batter: Add all-purpose flour, self-raising flour, beaten eggs, baking powder, mixed spice, and chopped glacé cherries to the cooled mixture. Stir gently until just combined.
4. Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the loaf tins. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and store: Cool in tins for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, wrap tightly in parchment and foil to store.

Recipe Tips

• Why boil the fruit? Boiling infuses the fruit with flavor and moisture, creating a rich, dense cake.
• How long does this cake last? When wrapped tightly, it stays fresh for several weeks.
• Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, either works fine, though butter gives a richer taste.
• What’s a good alcohol substitute? Use orange juice or apple juice in place of brandy for an alcohol-free version.
• Can I freeze this fruit cake? Yes, wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months.

What To Serve With Boiled Fruit Cake

Enjoy a slice of this cake with cozy accompaniments like:

• A cup of black tea or coffee
• Vanilla custard
• A dollop of whipped cream
• A slice of cheddar cheese (a British classic pairing)
• Mulled wine during the holidays

How To Store Boiled Fruit Cake

Refrigerate: Not required. Store in a cool, dry place wrapped in parchment and foil.

Freeze: Wrap the cake or slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Boiled Fruit Cake Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 5g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without alcohol?
Yes, simply replace the brandy with fruit juice like apple or orange.

How to tell when boiled fruit cake is done?
Insert a skewer into the center—it should come out clean with no wet batter.

What’s the best way to chop glacé cherries?
Pat them dry with paper towels and use a sharp knife to prevent sticking.

Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
Yes, feel free to enhance the flavor with extra warm spices.

Why cool the fruit mixture before adding eggs?
Hot mixtures can scramble the eggs, so always cool before combining.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Black Forest Cake Recipe
• Hairy Bikers BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Banoffee Pie Recipe