Boozy Fruit Cake

This Boozy Fruit Cake is a delightful blend of rich fruits and nuts, making it the perfect dessert for any celebration. Its unique flavor profile comes from being soaked in a fruity liquid, enhancing its moistness and taste. Ideal for holidays or special occasions, this cake stands out not just for its flavors but also for its festive appearance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: This cake combines various dried fruits and spices, creating a complex and satisfying taste.
• Festive Treat: Perfect for celebrations, this cake brings warmth and joy to your gatherings.
• Long-Lasting Delight: The more you feed it with apple juice, the better it gets—making it perfect for preparing in advance.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll enjoy baking without stress.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a standalone dessert or paired with cream or ice cream.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Having the necessary equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch round cake tin
• Parchment paper
• Large saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Skewers or toothpicks

Importance of Each Tool

• Cake Tin: A sturdy tin ensures even baking and easy removal of the cake.
• Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup straightforward.
• Large Saucepan: Ideal for combining wet ingredients without spilling.
• Mixing Bowls: Necessary for keeping your dry and wet ingredients separate before combining.

Ingredients

This cake is rich, festive, and soaked with your favorite spirit, making it the perfect treat for celebrations.

For the Cake

• 1 cup 225g salted butter, softened
• 1 cup 225ml milk
• 1¼ cups 250g golden raisins
• 1¼ cups 250g raisins
• ¾ cup 135g dried pitted dates, roughly chopped
• ½ cup 100g currants
• 1 cup 85g candied orange or lemon peel, finely chopped
• 1⅓ cups 150g walnuts, roughly chopped
• 2 cups 275g all-purpose flour
• 2½ tsps pumpkin pie spice
• ¾ tsp baking soda

For Sweetness

• ¾ cup 200g golden syrup or light corn syrup

For Binding

• 2 extra-large eggs

For Feeding

• 5 tbsps apple juice (or vanilla extract, alcohol-free)

How to Make Boozy Fruit Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 9-inch round cake tin with parchment paper, ensuring it extends beyond the edges for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large saucepan, combine the milk, golden syrup, butter, dates, golden raisins, raisins, currants, and candied peel. Gently heat the mixture while stirring occasionally until the butter melts completely. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda. Stir in the chopped walnuts until they are evenly coated in flour.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once the fruit mixture has cooled down, beat in the eggs one at a time. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep your cake light.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Spoon the batter into your lined cake tin, smoothing out the surface. Bake for about 2 to 2½ hours. Check if it’s done by inserting a skewer—it should come out clean. If needed, loosely cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 6: Feed Your Cake

When warm, poke holes across the top using a skewer and drizzle over about 2 tablespoons of apple juice (or another chosen liquid). Allow cooling completely in the tin.

Step 7: Wrap and Store

After cooling, remove from the tin carefully. Wrap tightly in parchment paper followed by foil. Over several weeks, feed your cake with remaining apple juice every few days to deepen its flavor profile. Store in a cool dark place for best results.

How to Serve Boozy Fruit Cake

Boozy Fruit Cake is a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

Classic Slices

• Serve thick slices of the cake accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream for a rich and creamy contrast.

With Tea or Coffee

• Pair slices of Boozy Fruit Cake with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. The warm beverages enhance the flavors of the cake beautifully.

Cheese Plate

• Include slices of the cake on a cheese platter. The sweetness of the fruit cake complements sharp cheeses like aged cheddar or blue cheese.

Ice Cream Delight

• Top a slice of the cake with vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts slightly over the warm cake, creating an indulgent dessert.

Fresh Fruits

• Serve with fresh seasonal fruits like berries or sliced apples. The freshness balances the richness of the cake.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce over each slice for an extra touch of sweetness and flair.

How to Perfect Boozy Fruit Cake

Creating the perfect Boozy Fruit Cake can be easy with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful.

• Use quality ingredients: Select fresh dried fruits and high-quality butter for better flavor and texture.
• Don’t rush cooling: Allow the fruit mixture to cool completely before adding eggs. This prevents cooking them prematurely.
• Avoid overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• Store properly: Wrap your cake tightly after baking and continue to feed it with apple juice for improved flavors over time.
• Check doneness carefully: Use a skewer to test; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

Best Side Dishes for Boozy Fruit Cake

Boozy Fruit Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its flavor profile. Here are some excellent options:

1. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses like brie, cheddar, and gouda provides savory contrasts that complement the sweetness of the cake.

2. Spiced Nuts
   Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and warmth, making them an excellent accompaniment to each bite.

3. Crisp Apple Salad
   A refreshing salad with crisp apples, walnuts, and a hint of lemon offers a bright contrast to the dense cake.

4. Vanilla Pudding
   Silky vanilla pudding serves as a smooth base for your fruit cake slice, creating a lovely texture combination.

5. Fruit Compote
   A warm fruit compote made from seasonal fruits enhances the fruity notes in the Boozy Fruit Cake.

6. Chocolate Sauce
   Drizzling chocolate sauce over the plate adds richness and elevates every slice into an indulgent dessert experience.

7. Whipped Cream
   Lightly sweetened whipped cream is always a classic choice, adding fluffiness alongside each slice of rich fruit cake.

8. Coffee Ice Cream
   For those who love coffee flavors, pairing it with coffee ice cream creates an unforgettable treat that perfectly balances sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Boozy Fruit Cake, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Skipping ingredient prep: Always prepare your ingredients before you start mixing. This ensures that everything is at hand and reduces the chance of forgetting an important component.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix your ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
• Not measuring accurately: Use precise measurements for all ingredients. In baking, even small discrepancies can alter the cake’s texture and flavor.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep a close eye on your cake as it bakes. Ovens vary in temperature; checking doneness with a skewer helps ensure it’s perfectly baked.
• Neglecting storage instructions: Properly wrap and store the cake after baking to maintain moisture and flavor. Avoid leaving it uncovered which can lead to drying out.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing Boozy Fruit Cake

• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Boozy Fruit Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a covered pan over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Boozy Fruit Cake that may help you with your baking experience.

Can I make a Boozy Fruit Cake without alcohol?

Yes! You can replace alcohol with fruit juices like apple juice or use vinegars for flavor without compromising taste.

How long does Boozy Fruit Cake last?

When stored properly, this cake can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator or three months if frozen.

What fruits work best in Boozy Fruit Cake?

You can use any dried fruits you love, such as apricots, cranberries, or figs, to customize your fruit cake.

How do I make my Boozy Fruit Cake moist?

Regularly feeding the cake with apple juice or other liquids while it rests will enhance moisture and flavor over time.

Can I decorate my Boozy Fruit Cake?

Absolutely! You can top it with icing, whipped cream, or fresh fruits for an added festive touch.

Final Thoughts

Boozy Fruit Cake is not only rich and festive but also highly customizable. Whether you’re preparing it for special occasions or enjoying it as an everyday treat, this recipe offers endless variations. Try adding different dried fruits or nuts based on your preferences!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Boozy Fruit Cake

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of our delightful Boozy Fruit Cake, a moist and festive dessert perfect for any celebration. This cake is a wonderful blend of dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, creating a satisfying taste that will impress your guests. The absence of alcohol in this recipe ensures everyone can enjoy it without concerns. Soak your cake regularly with apple juice to enhance its flavor and moisture over time. With its beautiful appearance and delectable taste, this cake is ideal for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup salted butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1¼ cups golden raisins
• 1¼ cups raisins
• ¾ cup dried pitted dates
• ½ cup currants
• 1 cup candied orange or lemon peel
• 1⅓ cups walnuts
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ cup golden syrup or light corn syrup
• 2 extra-large eggs
• 5 tablespoons apple juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a 9-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.
2. In a large saucepan, combine milk, golden syrup, butter, dates, golden raisins, raisins, currants, and candied peel. Gently heat until the butter melts; let cool.
3. Sift together flour, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda in a separate bowl. Stir in walnuts until coated.
4. Beat eggs into the cooled fruit mixture one at a time, then fold in dry ingredients gently.
5. Pour batter into the prepared tin and bake for about 2 to 2½ hours until a skewer comes out clean. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
6. Once baked, poke holes on top with a skewer and drizzle with apple juice while warm.
7. Cool completely in the tin before wrapping tightly in parchment and foil.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 150 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Traditional

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 90g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg