James Beards Mothers Fruit Cake

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Servings: 3 cups Difficulty: Intermediate
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A rich, traditional Christmas fruit cake loaded with dried fruits and nuts, matured in brandy for deep, complex flavor.
James Beards Mothers Fruit Cake recipe image
James Beards Mothers Fruit Cake recipe image
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James Beards Mothers Fruit Cake

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 3 cups Calories: 1260

Description

This classic fruit cake is a festive centerpiece, packed with a generous mix of glacé fruits, raisins, currants, and pecans. Soaked in brandy and baked slowly to perfection, it develops a dense, moist texture and a deep, spicy aroma from cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The recipe includes a step for marinating the fruits, which ensures every bite is flavorful and moist. While it requires patience to mature, the result is a luxurious dessert that improves with age. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this cake offers a nostalgic taste of tradition. Serve thinly sliced with cream or cheese for a sophisticated end to a holiday meal.

Directions

  1. Combine the glacé cherries, apricots, pineapple, mixed peel, raisins, sultanas, and currants in a large bowl.
  2. Pour 1/3 cup of brandy over the fruits and stir to coat evenly. Cover and let marinate for at least 2 days, stirring occasionally.
  3. After marinating, add the pecans and 1/4 cup of flour to the fruit mixture and stir well to combine.
  4. In a separate bowl, cream the butter with the white sugar and soft brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
  6. Stir in the grated dark chocolate and 1 tablespoon of brandy.
  7. Sift together the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and baking powder.
  8. Fold the sifted dry ingredients into the butter mixture, followed by the fruit mixture, blending thoroughly until combined.
  9. Pour the batter into a prepared baking tin and hollow out the center slightly to help even baking.
  10. Bake at 150 degrees Celsius (300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  11. Once baked, brush the top of the cake with additional brandy while still warm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 3 cups

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1260kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 50g77%
Saturated Fat 19g95%
Cholesterol 348mg116%
Sodium 376mg16%
Total Carbohydrate 175g59%
Dietary Fiber 9g36%
Sugars 130g
Protein 25g50%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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