Mary Berry's Easy Fruit Cake Recipe

Mary Berry’s Easy Fruit Cake Recipe is a classic, moist fruit cake filled with a mixture of dried fruits like raisins, currants, and sultanas, ideal for beginners due to its simple, straightforward preparation.

Table of Contents

What Goes Best with Mary Berry Easy Fruit Cake Recipe?

Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of tea or coffee pairs perfectly with this rich, fruity cake.
Clotted cream or butter: Spread lightly on a slice to enhance its richness.
Cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar complements the sweetness of the fruit.
Ice cream: Vanilla ice cream adds a creamy balance to the fruity flavors.

Ingredients

225g self-raising flour
175g softened butter
175g light brown sugar
3 large eggs
225g mixed dried fruit (sultanas, currants, raisins)
50g glace cherries, halved
50g chopped nuts (optional)
1 tsp mixed spice
2 tbsp milk
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

How to Prepare Mary Easy Fruit Cake Recipe

Preheat the oven: Preheat to 160°C (320°F) and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking parchment.
Prepare the cake mixture: Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Mix dry ingredients: Sift the flour and mixed spice into the wet ingredients. Add the dried fruits, cherries, and nuts, folding everything together.
Bake the cake: Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Mary Berry Easy Fruit Cake Recipe – Detailed Recipe

Ingredients

Refer to the list above.

Instructions

Preheat the oven and line the cake tin.
Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs.
Fold in flour, spice, fruits, nuts, and milk.
Bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours.
Cool on a wire rack.

Notes

Soak fruits for extra flavor: Soak dried fruits in tea or brandy overnight for a deeper flavor.
Use different nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or pecans can be added for texture and flavor.
Storing: This cake can be made weeks ahead of time as the flavor improves with time.

How to Serve Mary Berry Easy Fruit Cake Recipe

Room temperature: Serve slices at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
With spreads: Add a bit of butter or cream cheese to slices for a richer taste.
As dessert: Serve warm with custard or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Easy Fruit Cake Recipe

Microwave: Heat slices for 10-15 seconds to warm them through.
Oven: Reheat in a 150°C (300°F) oven for about 5-10 minutes.

How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Easy Fruit Cake Recipe

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
In the fridge: If it’s warm or humid, store in the fridge for up to 10 days.
In the freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry Easy Fruit Cake Recipe

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, substitute with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend.
Can I make this cake alcohol-free?
You can soak the fruits in tea or orange juice instead of alcohol.
What can I substitute for mixed spice?
You can use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves as a substitute.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, fruit cakes improve in flavor over time, so you can bake it in advance.
What if I don’t have self-raising flour?
Use plain flour and add 1 tsp of baking powder for every 150g of flour.
Can I add alcohol after baking?
Yes, you can “feed” the cake by brushing it with brandy or rum after baking.
How can I prevent my fruit from sinking to the bottom?
Coat the dried fruit in a little flour before adding it to the batter.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
No, fresh fruit will release too much moisture and affect the cake’s texture.
Can I omit the nuts?
Yes, you can leave them out or replace them with additional dried fruit.
How long will this cake last?
Properly stored, this cake will last up to a week at room temperature and longer in the fridge or freezer.