Boiled Fruit Cake Recipe

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  • April 13, 2026

Boiled Fruit Cake Recipe
Rich, moist, and full of warm spices — a classic favorite!


🧾 Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
  • 1 cup (250 g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas, cherries)
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) water or orange juice
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon mixed spice (or cinnamon + nutmeg + allspice blend)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons dark molasses or black treacle (for rich color)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons rum or brandy (for soaking or brushing)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Boil the Fruit Mixture
    In a saucepan, combine dried fruits, brown sugar, oil, water (or juice), molasses, and mixed spice.
    Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  2. Preheat Oven
    Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  3. Add Eggs & Vanilla
    In a bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla extract.
    Stir into the cooled fruit mixture until well combined.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients
    In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Combine Batter
    Gently fold the dry ingredients into the fruit mixture until just combined.
    ⚠️ Do not overmix.
  6. Bake
    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
    Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool
    Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

🍰 Finishing Touch

While still warm, brush with rum or brandy for extra moisture and flavor.
Wrap tightly once cooled and store for a few days to let the flavors deepen — just like traditional fruit cakes 🎄


💡 Tip: This cake tastes even better after 1–2 days as the flavors develop!