Starting your baking journey can be thrilling yet challenging. But, Mary Berry’s simple fruit cake recipe offers an easy start. This easy fruit cake is simple and tasty, great for beginners. Mary Berry, a star in British cooking, has made this recipe both fun and simple. This means even those new to baking can make a cake to be proud of.
This beginner-friendly recipe can serve about 10 people, perfect for parties or family meals. The easy steps boost your confidence in the kitchen. Baking this cake takes just over two hours, filling your home with a lovely smell. It’s a rewarding task for anyone wanting to learn.
This simple fruit cake recipe is special. For more information, check out Mary Berry’s full recipe. With some basic ingredients and a bit of imagination, you can make your kitchen a happier place!
Mary Berry’s simple fruit cake is a classic favourite in British baking. Its moist texture and rich flavour come from dried fruits and almonds. It’s a must-have dessert during festive seasons, enjoyed by many across the UK.
This recipe is perfect for beginners. The steps are easy to follow. With ingredients like raisins, glacé cherries, currants, and sultanas, every bite is full of fruity flavours.
Fruit cake has a long history in British culture, marking celebrations and gatherings. Baking this cake not only offers a tasty treat but also connects us to a rich culinary tradition.
Why Choose This Fruit Cake Recipe?
This fruit cake recipe is a brilliant choice for newcomers to baking. Many new bakers avoid fruit cakes because they seem hard to make. Yet, this recipe makes it easy. It uses simple ingredients and is fuss-free. This makes cooking accessible and guarantees a tasty cake.
Ideal for Beginner Bakers
Making a fruit cake should not be scary. This recipe is for beginners or anyone wanting a fast way to make fruit cake. It’s easy to follow and encourages even unsure bakers to try. This makes baking fun and ends with a lovely cake for the holidays.
No Soaking Required
This no soaking fruit cake recipe is great because it skips soaking fruit in alcohol. This makes the process quicker and lets you bake without planning ahead. Bakers can make this cake whenever they want, making baking fun and rewarding. It’s perfect for beginners who want good results fast.
If you want to try more baking, look at Mary Berry’s recipes. Check her Christmas Cake recipe or the cosy apple cake recipe. Both are great for new bakers.
Ingredients You Will Need
Mary Berry’s simple fruit cake is filled with must-have ingredients. These elements guarantee a joyful baking journey. Understanding what each one does, we grow to love the final cake even more. Each step becomes more meaningful and fun with this knowledge. Let’s talk about what you’ll need, including some extra bits for an even tastier fruit cake.
Key Ingredients Explained
Salted Butter (225g): It makes the cake rich and moist, giving it a soft texture.
Caster Sugar (100g): It sweetens the cake and helps create a beautiful golden outer layer.
Large Eggs (4): Eggs are crucial for holding everything together. They make the cake moist and well-structured.
Self-Raising Flour (225g): This helps the cake grow tall and proud.
Ground Almonds (optional): They add a moist and richly satisfying texture to the cake.
Mixed Dried Fruit (350g): Raisins, sultanas, and currants bring sweetness and a lovely chewy feel.
Almond Extract (optional): A little bit adds a wonderful depth of flavour.
Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): It gives a warm and spicy aroma that goes well with dried fruits.
Milk (100ml): Keeps the batter moist for the perfect fruit cake texture.
Optional Additions for Added Texture
Want to make your fruit cake even more special? Think about adding these extra bits. Flaked almonds on top give a nice crunch. And there are other tasty options too:
Chopped Nuts (50g): Walnuts or more almonds can add an irresistible earthy taste and texture.
Glacé Cherries (50g): When mixed in, they add both a sweet taste and a pop of colour.
Brandy or Rum (1 tbsp): A bit of alcohol can bring a new level of flavour to your cake.
Adding these touches makes your fruit cake uniquely yours. They encourage you to experiment with Mary Berry’s classic recipe. Go ahead and find the perfect mix that delights your taste buds.
Ingredient
Quantity
Function
Salted Butter
225g
Richness and moisture
Caster Sugar
100g
Sweetness and crust
Large Eggs
4
Binding and moisture
Self-Raising Flour
225g
Structure
Mixed Dried Fruit
350g
Natural sweetness and texture
Flaked Almonds (optional)
As desired
Texture and flavour
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Simple Fruit Cake Mary Berry
Making a delicious fruit cake needs attention to detail. You’ll find success with clear instructions and helpful baking tips. These ensure the process is not only successful but also enjoyable.
Preparing Your Ingredients
First, get your ingredients ready. Soak dried fruit, like cherries, in brandy or rum for three days. This enriches the cake’s flavour and moistness. Then, have these key ingredients at hand:
660 g (1.4 pounds) of mincemeat
450 g (1 pound) of marzipan for decoration
60 ml (¼ cup) of egg whites for royal icing
Coat your soaked dried fruit in flour. It helps spread the fruit evenly in the mix, a key step for fruit cakes.
Baking Tips for Best Results
Preheat your oven to 140C/120C Fan/Gas 1 for a well-baked cake. Bake for 4 to 4½ hours. A skewer should come out clean from the cake’s thickest part to ensure it’s done.
First, grease and line your cake tin to avoid sticking. After covering the cake with rolled out marzipan, apply royal icing. This icing uses whipped egg whites, icing sugar, lemon juice, and glycerine for elegance.
Let the iced cake rest overnight, uncovered, to set. For storage, an airtight container is best. If you’re making it ahead, like two to three months before Christmas, moisten it every few weeks with brandy or whisky. This enhances the flavour and preserves it.
These steps and tips will help you bake a fruit cake successfully. You’ll delight your family and friends with your baking skills.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s fruit cake recipe is top-notch for beginners. It offers easy, detailed steps and uses high-quality ingredients. This cake is all about the pleasure of baking and gives beginners confidence. With Mary Berry’s vast experience, anyone can start baking with confidence.
This cake allows for tasty variations, thanks to seasonal ingredients. For example, try the Apple and Blackberry Cake for a twist. You can find this seasonal delight online. It shows how fresh fruits can make your cake even better.
Remember, each cake you bake is a step in your baking journey. With Mary Berry’s help, you’ll enjoy baking unique treats. Embrace the joy of baking and start with this wonderful cake.
FAQ
What makes Mary Berry’s simple fruit cake perfect for beginners?
This recipe is ideal for beginner bakers. It uses basic ingredients and easy steps. This means anyone can make a delicious cake and have fun doing it.
Do I need to soak the dried fruits for this fruit cake?
No, you don’t have to soak the dried fruits in alcohol. Mary Berry’s recipe skips this step. It’s quicker and easier, especially if you’re new to baking.
Can I customise the ingredients in Mary Berry’s fruit cake?
Yes, you can! The recipe lets you add things like flaked almonds if you want. It’s great for trying out new ideas and making the cake your own.
What key ingredients are needed for the fruit cake?
The cake needs butter, sugar, eggs, flour, ground almonds, almond extract, and mixed dried fruit. These ingredients help make the cake moist and tasty.
What are some important baking tips for making the fruit cake?
Some tips are: preheat the oven, grease and line the cake tin well, and test if it’s cooked with a skewer. Doing these can make your cake turn out great.
How long does it take to bake Mary Berry’s simple fruit cake?
It usually cooks in 1 to 1.5 hours. Checking it with a skewer is wise. If the skewer comes out clean, your cake is done!
Can I store the fruit cake, and if so, how?
Yes, you can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.
