Christmas cake (last minute)

Christmas Cake (last minute)
  • Serves: 12
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 120 mins

Ingredients

  • 675 g (1 1/2 lb.) mixed dried fruits
  • 75 g (2 3/4 oz.) glace ½ cherries, quartered
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice
  • 1 orange, zest and juice
  • 4 tablespoons dark rum or brandy
  • 225 g (8 oz.) butter, softened
  • 225 g (8 oz.) light soft brown sugar
  • 4 large British Lion eggs, beaten
  • 225 g (8 oz.) plain flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon mixed ground spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 50 g (1 3/4 oz.) flaked almonds

Method

  1. Place the first four ingredients in a medium pan.
  2. Bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and stir in the rum or brandy. Cool.
  3. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 3/170C/320F.
  4. Grease a 20cm (8-inch) deep round cake tin and line with baking parchment.
  5. Purée one third of the fruit in a food processor.
  6. Cream the butter and sugar together with an electric whisk until soft and fluffy.
  7. Gradually add the eggs, beating well between additions.
  8. Stir in the flour and spices.
  9. Stir in the fruit purée and then the almonds and fruits. Spoon into the tin and level the surface.
  10.  Bake for 2 - 2 1/2 hours. Cool in the tin.

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