A tricky cake to name as the word ‘boiled’ never sounds that appetising. In this instance however, the reality is definitely much more delicious than it sounds. Rich, mixed fruit is simmered (aka boiled) with sugar, butter and beer to create a super plump, aromatic fruity heart to this refreshingly light cake. The IVB pale ale adds a fabulous, malty / citrus note and the crunch of demerara sugar on top elevates this cake into something that I struggle not to scoff the moment it comes out of the oven.
Ingredients
150ml IVB Light Pale Ale
280g mixed fruit
140g dark brown sugar
140g butter
2 eggs
285g self-raising flour
1tsp mixed spice
2tbsp demerara sugar (to sprinkle on top)
Preheat the oven to 160oC (fan) and line the base of a 24cm (9”) round cake tin.
Place the beer, fruit, brown sugar and butter in a saucepan, bring to the boil, simmer for 5 mins and then take off the heat and leave to one side until it is cool enough to touch (if it is too hot you risk cooking your eggs before the cake goes in the oven!).
Once the mixture has cooled sufficiently pour it into a large bowl with the SR flour, mixed spice and eggs and beat until it is a smooth batter.
Pour it into your prepared tin, sprinkle with demerara sugar and bake for 45mins until risen and golden. Check it is cooked by inserting a skewer into the centre to see if it comes out ‘clean’. Enjoy with a cup of tea or perhaps a glass of leftover beer!
I am addicted to this moist fruit cake. I am on my 4th cake in 2 weeks . So easy to make. My daughter likes it as well so she is going to make it herself.