The Rich and Unforgettable Taste of Britannia Fruit Cake
Britannia fruit cake is a delightful sweet treat, perfect for a variety of occasions. With a mix of juicy fruit and the rich flavour of traditional spices, it’s no wonder this cake is a popular choice among those with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking one for a special event or simply want something to satisfy your own cravings, Britannia Fruit Cake is sure to be a hit!
History
Believed to originate in the United Kingdom, Britannia fruit cake has been a staple in homes and stores throughout the world for decades. It was especially popular in the years leading up to World War Two, when it was available as a luxury item alongside other expensive cakes and desserts. Although it’s no longer as luxurious, it’s still a favourite amongst those who have a taste for the finer things in life.
What’s in Britannia Fruit Cake?
Britannia fruit cake contains all the traditional ingredients of a fruit cake, plus a few more special ingredients to give it a unique flavour and texture. It contains a range of dried fruits such as sultanas, raisins, currants, and glace cherries. Spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves are added for a rich and aromatic atmosphere. The cake is usually made with butter, but can also be made with margarine, and combined with a variety of cakes and pastry to produce a cake with a unique texture. Plus, it can be enjoyed with either tea or coffee.
Making the Perfect Britannia Fruit Cake
Making the perfect Britannia Fruit Cake is fairly easy and only requires a few ingredients and a little bit of time. Here is a recipe to help you whip up the perfect fruit cake:
Ingredients
- 225g of unsalted butter
- 225g of caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 250g of plain flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 225g of sultanas
- 225g of raisins
- 50g of glace cherries
- 50g of chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon of milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 160C/320F (fan-forced). Grease and line the base and sides of a 20cm round springform pan with baking paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugar in a bowl until pale and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift flour and baking powder into the mixture, then add the sultanas, raisins, glace cherries and chopped walnuts. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and sea salt.
- Fold in the grated lemon zest and milk, then mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and spread out evenly. Bake for 1½ – 2 hours, or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the cake. Cover with foil once the cake starts to darken.
- Leave the cake to cool in the tin before turning out onto a wire rack and allowing it to cool completely.
Serving Britannia Fruit Cake
The Britannia Fruit Cake can be enjoyed as it is, or can be glazed with apricot jam and served with buttered toast, or enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. It can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or some fruit coulis.
Britannia Fruit Cake is a rich and delicious option for those looking for a classic cake to add to their baking portfolio. With its combination of spices, fruits, and a traditional British recipe, it’s a crowd favourite and sure to please even the pickiest of palates. So why not give the Britannia Fruit Cake a try the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet?
