Recipes Nugget Markets Signature Recipes
Kate & Eric's Wedding Fruit Cake
- Prep time
- 20 minutes, plus 10 hours cooling PT0.33333333333333M
- Cook time
- 2–2½ hours PT2–2½H
- Yield
- 9 servings
- Difficulty
Did you know fruit cake used to be passed out at weddings as a token of prosperity? The fourth-generation of the Stille family and the love of his life celebrated this tradition during their nuptials with a festive fruit cake just like this!
Ingredients
- 2½ cups sultanas
- 1½ cups currants
- 1½ cups raisins
- ½ cup mixed candied fruit peel
- ¾ cup glacé cherries
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup plus 3–4 tablespoons brandy, divided
- 5 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup self-rising flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
Preparation
Preheat oven to 300°F.
Combine the fruits, butter, brown sugar, water, and ½ cup brandy in a large saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let cool completely to room temperature.
Line a deep, 8-inch square cake pan with a double layer of parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends 2 inches above the rim. (This prevents the edges from burning during the long bake.)
Stir the beaten eggs, molasses, and orange and lemon zests into the cooled fruit mixture until fully combined. Sift both flours, baking soda, and spices directly over the bowl, then fold gently to incorporate.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 2–2½ hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, then remove from oven.
While the fruit cake is still warm, poke small holes across the surface with a toothpick, then spoon remaining brandy over the top. Cover the fruit cake with aluminum foil and let cool inside the pan to room temperature.