Print

Hairy Bikers Boiled Fruit Cake

Hairy Bikers' Boiled Fruit Cake
Print Recipe

Hairy Bikers are known for classic British comfort recipes. A boiled fruit cake follows a traditional method where dried fruit, sugar, and butter are simmered together before flour and eggs are added.

Unlike rich Christmas fruit cakes, this version is lighter and quicker. There’s no long soaking period. The boiling step softens the fruit and locks in moisture.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fruit Base

  • 300 g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)

  • 100 g glacé cherries, halved

  • 150 g light brown sugar

  • 150 g unsalted butter

  • 250 ml water

  • Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Quality note: Use fresh, plump dried fruit for better texture.

For the Cake Batter

  • 225 g plain flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon mixed spice

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Simmer the Fruit

Place dried fruit, cherries, sugar, butter, and water into a saucepan.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

This step softens the fruit and blends the flavours.

Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare the Tin

Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).

Grease and line a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.

Proper lining prevents sticking and overbrowning.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and salt.

Set aside.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once the fruit mixture has cooled, beat in the eggs one at a time.

Fold in the sifted dry ingredients gently until fully combined.

Do not overmix. Stir just until no flour streaks remain.

The batter will be thick but pourable.

Step 5: Bake Slowly

Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the top.

Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes until golden brown and firm in the center.

Test with a skewer — it should come out clean.

If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 6: Cool Properly

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Cooling completely helps the crumb set properly.

Find it online: https://britishrecipes.uk/hairy-bikers-boiled-fruit-cake/