Mary Berry​ Boiled Fruit Cake Recipe

This moist Mary Berry Boiled Fruit Cake is made with plump mixed dried fruit, sugar, water, creamy butter, walnuts, and warm mixed spice. The result is a rich, tender cake that is deeply flavorful without being too heavy. This recipe is a perfect choice for a cozy afternoon tea or a holiday gathering, making a delicious dessert that serves 8 to 10 people.

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Mary Berry Boiled Fruit Cake Ingredients

• 1 cup (175g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (225g) mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants, or cherries)
• 1/2 cup (115g) butter or margarine, cubed
• 1 cup (225ml) water
• 2 cups (275g) self-raising flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice (or pumpkin pie spice)
• 1/2 cup (50g) chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 pinch of salt

How To Make Mary Berry Boiled Fruit Cake

1. Prepare the fruit mixture: In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, mixed dried fruit, butter, and water.
2. Boil the ingredients: Place the pan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Cool the mixture: Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside. You must let the mixture cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial so the heat does not cook the egg when you add it later.
4. Preheat the oven: While the mixture cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 2-pound loaf tin (9×5 inches) with parchment paper.
5. Combine the ingredients: Once the fruit mixture is cool, stir in the flour, beaten egg, mixed spice, walnuts, and salt. Mix gently until well combined.
6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf tin. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes.
7. Check for doneness: Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it is wet, bake for another 5 minutes.
8. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Recipe Tips

• Cool Completely: It is very important to let the boiled fruit mixture cool before adding the flour and egg. If the mix is too hot, it will scramble the egg and the cake will not rise properly.
• Prevent Sinking: Do not open the oven door during the first 30 minutes of baking. A sudden drop in temperature can cause the center of the cake to sink.
• Swap the Liquid: For a richer flavor, you can swap the water for hot tea or orange juice. This adds a subtle depth to the fruit flavor.
• Soak the Fruit: The boiling process plumps up the dried fruit instantly, so there is no need to soak the fruit overnight before starting this recipe.

What To Serve Boiled Fruit Cake

This fruit cake is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with several sides. Serve a thick slice with a hot cup of English breakfast tea or coffee. For a traditional British twist, serve it with a slice of sharp Cheddar cheese or Wensleydale cheese; the salty cheese balances the sweet fruit perfectly. You can also serve it warm with a generous pour of custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a hearty dessert.

How To Store Boiled Fruit Cake Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freeze: This cake freezes very well. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

Mary Berry Boiled Fruit Cake Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 48g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 28g
• Protein: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-raising flour? Yes. If you use all-purpose (plain) flour, you must add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to the dry ingredients to ensure the cake rises.
• Why is my fruit cake dry? The cake may be dry if it was baked for too long or if the oven temperature was too high. Check the cake 5 minutes before the suggested time ends.
• Can I add other spices? Absolutely. If you do not have mixed spice, you can use cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice. A teaspoon of ginger also adds a nice warmth.

Try More Recipes:

• Mary Berry Yule Log​ Recipe
• Mary Berry Pear Trifle​ Recipe
• Mary Berry​ Black Forest Trifle Recipe