Perfect Fruit Cake Recipe

Perfect Fruit Cake Recipe

Ingredients

- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, chopped dates, and chopped apricots)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the molasses.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice and brandy or rum (if using). Mix until just combined.
Fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

- Once the cake is completely cool, you can wrap it in cheesecloth soaked in brandy or rum and store it in an airtight container. This will help to age the cake and enhance its flavors. Re-soak the cheesecloth every few days for up to a month.