Homemade Fruit Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dried apricots, etc.)
• 1/2 cup candied ginger, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup orange juice (or other fruit juice)
• 1/4 cup rum or brandy (optional but adds a nice flavor)
• 1/2 cup chopped mixed candied fruit (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or 8×8 square cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the fruit mixture: In a large bowl, combine the dried fruits, candied ginger (if using), and chopped nuts. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract.
5. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
6. Mix everything together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice and rum/brandy (if using). Stir gently until everything is well mixed.
7. Fold in the fruit mixture: Add the prepared dried fruit and nut mixture into the batter and stir until evenly distributed.
8. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the cake loosely with foil and continue baking.
9. Cool: Let the fruit cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Optional (for added flavor): Once the cake has cooled, you can wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, sprinkle it with a little extra rum or brandy, and let it sit for a day or two for the flavors to meld. This step is optional but adds depth to the flavor.

Tips:

• For a richer cake, soak the dried fruit in rum, brandy, or fruit juice overnight before baking.
• You can also frost the fruit cake with marzipan and fondant for a more festive touch, especially around holidays like Christmas.

Enjoy your homemade fruit cake!