Festive Berry Fruitcake

Festive Berry Fruitcake

Ingredients:

• For the cake:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup brandy or rum (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, etc.)
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.), chopped
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Zest of 1 lemon
• For the topping:
  • Fresh berries (cranberries, blackberries, raspberries)
  • Whole star anise (optional for decoration)
  • Mixed seeds (optional for decoration)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dried Fruits:
   • If using brandy or rum, soak the mixed dried fruits in it overnight. If not using alcohol, you can soak the fruits in orange juice.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
   • In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice. Mix until just combined.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract, soaked dried fruits, chopped nuts, orange zest, and lemon zest.
3. Bake the Cake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
   • Decorate the top of the cake with fresh berries, whole star anise, and mixed seeds if desired.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
   • Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the cake has cooled, remove it from the pan and place it on a serving plate.
   • Slice and serve your festive berry fruitcake with a cup of tea or coffee.

Enjoy your delicious and festive berry fruitcake!