Dark Old English Fruitcake
Dark Old English Fruitcake is a classic recipe packed with flavor. It’s a rich cake filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or holidays. This cake brings warmth to any gathering, and its delightful aroma fills the kitchen with love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups raisins
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 cup candied orange peel chopped
- 1/2 cup candied lemon peel chopped
- 1/2 cup dark rum or brandy for soaking
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup dark rum for brushing after baking
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruits: Combine the raisins, cherries, orange peel, and lemon peel in a bowl. Pour in the dark rum or brandy and let them soak overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a loaf pan or round cake tin with parchment paper and grease it lightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the butter and brown sugar together until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the molasses.
- Combine All Ingredients: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in the soaked fruits (with any remaining liquid) and chopped nuts.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared tin. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 2–2.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Brush with Rum: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. While warm, brush the top with dark rum for extra moisture and flavor.
Notes
How to Serve Dark Old English Fruitcake
Slice the Dark Old English Fruitcake and serve it on a platter. It’s lovely with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream for extra delight! How to
Store Dark Old English Fruitcake
Store your fruitcake in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer. It can last for weeks, and some say it tastes even better after sitting for a few days!
Tips to Make Dark Old English Fruitcake
- Soaking the fruits overnight helps to enhance their flavors.
- Don’t skip this step! Make sure not to overmix the batter; this will keep the cake light and fluffy.
- If you want a richer taste, try adding a bit more rum to the soaking mixture.