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Easy tea soaked fruit cake

Easy Tea-Soaked Fruit Cake Recipe

This Tea-Soaked Fruit Cake is a delightful, moist, and rich treat infused with the robust flavor of tea. Perfect for tea-time indulgence or festive celebrations, this recipe is simple yet incredibly flavorful.


Ingredients

  • 8 tea bags
  • 300ml boiling water
  • 500g mixed dried fruit
  • 500g self-raising flour
  • 325g butter or margarine
  • 250g caster sugar
  • 2 tsp ground mixed spice
  • 5 eggs
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tea-Soaked Fruit

  • Place the tea bags in a large bowl and pour in the boiling water.
  • Stir to make a strong tea, then add the mixed dried fruit and mix well.
  • Let the fruit soak until the liquid is completely cool. For deeper tea flavor, soak the fruit overnight.
  • Once cool, remove the tea bags and stir the fruit. Set aside.

2. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 175°C (155°C fan, 340°F, gas mark 3–4).
  • Grease and line a 23cm (9”) springform cake tin with parchment paper.

3. Prepare the Cake Batter

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and butter/margarine.
  • Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  • Add the caster sugar, mixed spice, and salt, stirring well to combine.

4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients

  • Beat the eggs and add them to the flour mixture along with the soaked fruit and any remaining soaking liquid.
  • Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.

5. Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and level the surface.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the cake is golden, risen, and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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6. Cool and Serve

  • Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes.
  • Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Storage and Serving Tips

  • Storage: Wrap the cake in cling film or foil and store in an airtight container. It will stay moist for up to a week.
  • Serving Suggestion: Serve plain or with a dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious treat.

Fruit Soaking Tips

  • Alcohol Soaking: Dried fruits can be soaked in alcohol (like rum or brandy) for 1–2 years for a richer flavor.
  • Orange Juice Soaking: Fresh orange juice is best used within 1 week, while tetra pack juices can last 2–3 weeks due to preservatives.
  • Alternative Soak: For a unique twist, soak fruits in orange cordial for a sweet citrus kick.

This Tea-Soaked Fruit Cake is versatile, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to soak your fruits in tea, orange juice, or cordial, the result is always a moist and delicious cake. Enjoy!