The Shady Baker’s light fruit cake recipe

LIGHT FRUIT CAKE

Serves 15–20

250g butter, softened
1 cup (220g) caster sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
Zest of 2 lemons
3 eggs
1 teaspoon mixed spice
2 teaspoons baking powder
2½ cups (375g) plain flour
1/3 cup (80ml) liquid, such as orange juice, lemon juice, brandy or sherry
300g mixed dried fruit, such as sultanas, currants and raisins
100g slivered almonds

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a high-sided 20cm square cake tin with baking paper. Set aside.
2. Put the butter, sugar, vanilla and zest into a mixing bowl. Beat until pale and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Sift in the mixed spice, baking powder and flour, then add the liquid, fruit and almonds and mix until combined.
5. Spoon the mixture into the tin and smooth using the back of a spoon. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and cool for 20 minutes in the tin. Remove from the tin and place on a wire rack to cool.

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