Traditional Rum-Soaked Fruit Cake (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Fruit Cake
01 -
1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, apricots)
02 -
1 cup candied ginger, finely chopped
03 -
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
04 -
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 -
1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
06 -
3 large eggs
07 -
2 cups all-purpose flour
08 -
1 teaspoon baking powder
09 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 -
1 teaspoon cinnamon
11 -
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
12 -
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
13 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 -
1/2 cup orange juice
15 -
1/4 cup dark rum or brandy (plus extra for soaking)
16 -
Zest of one orange
17 -
1 tablespoon honey
18 -
1/4 cup milk
→ For the Soaking Syrup
19 -
1/4 cup dark rum or brandy
20 -
1 tablespoon honey
21 -
1 tablespoon sugar
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and grease well.
02 -
Combine the dried fruits and candied ginger in a bowl. Pour the orange juice and rum over them, then let soak for at least 30 minutes.
03 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
04 -
Beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and orange zest.
05 -
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients.
06 -
Gently fold in the soaked fruits and nuts until just combined.
07 -
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
08 -
While the cake bakes, combine rum, honey, and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly.
09 -
Let cake cool, then poke holes all over and pour the syrup over it. Wrap in parchment and plastic wrap, and let rest for at least 24 hours before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
The longer this cake rests, the better the flavors meld together
02 -
This cake can be made weeks in advance of special occasions
03 -
You can substitute orange juice for the alcohol if preferred