Mrs Allingham's Light Fruitcake

Mrs Allingham's Light Fruitcake is a timeless classic that perfectly balances rich, fruity flavors with a delicate and moist texture. This traditional recipe combines buttery sweetness with a medley of mixed dried fruit, vibrant glacé cherries, and a hint of zesty lemon to create a delightful treat for any occasion. Infused with fragrant vanilla and warm mixed spice, and optionally enhanced with a splash of brandy, this fruitcake is baked slowly to perfection, ensuring a tender crumb and evenly baked goodness. Whether served with a cup of tea or saved for special celebrations, this easy-to-make crowd-pleaser is ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers. Plus, the flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious in the days ahead. Perfect for sharing, this cake serves 12 and is a must-try for lovers of old-fashioned baking charm! Keywords: light fruitcake recipe, traditional fruitcake, easy fruitcake, Mrs Allingham’s fruitcake.

Nutriscore Rating: 44/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 225 grams unsalted butter
• 225 grams caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 300 grams self-raising flour
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 400 grams mixed dried fruit (e.g., currants, sultanas, raisins)
• 100 grams glacé cherries, halved
• 1 whole zest of one lemon
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• 2 tablespoons brandy (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F, Gas Mark 2) and grease a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin. Line the base and sides with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and caster sugar until pale and fluffy, using a hand or stand mixer.

Step 3

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 4

Sift in the self-raising flour and gently fold it into the batter using a spatula or wooden spoon.

Step 5

Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and brandy (if using) to loosen the mixture slightly.

Step 6

In a separate bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit, halved glacé cherries, lemon zest, and mixed spice. Fold the fruit mixture into the batter, ensuring even distribution.

Step 7

Transfer the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 8

Bake the fruitcake in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Check the cake halfway through baking, and if the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Step 9

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Step 10

Store the fruitcake in an airtight container at room temperature, or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap for longer storage. The flavors will deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1025.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3668.9

Total Fat 215.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 119.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 1247.5mg	0%
Sodium 390.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 403.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.3g	0%
Total Sugars 305.4g
Protein 39.2g	0%

Vitamin D 190.0IU	0%
Calcium 451.3mg	0%
Iron 9.9mg	0%
Potassium 3480.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.3%

Protein: 4.2%

Carbs: 43.5%