Grandma's Boiled Fruitcake

Warm, nostalgic, and bursting with festive flavors, Grandma's Boiled Fruitcake is a timeless holiday delight that's incredibly moist and rich. This old-fashioned recipe begins with a unique technique—boiling mixed dried fruits, brown sugar, butter, and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to create a luscious, aromatic base. The addition of golden syrup and hints of vanilla elevates its sweetness, while optional chopped nuts bring a delightful crunch. With simple ingredients and a long baking time for perfect caramelization, this fruitcake is the ultimate treat to share with loved ones. Serve it straight from the oven or let it mature for a few days with a brush of brandy or rum for an indulgent twist. Ideal for Christmas or special occasions, this easy-to-follow recipe blends tradition with irresistible flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 600 grams Mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants, and chopped dried apricots)
• 200 grams Brown sugar
• 150 grams Unsalted butter
• 250 ml Water
• 2 tablespoons Golden syrup
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground ginger
• 250 grams Plain flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Bicarbonate of soda
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 100 grams Chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the mixed dried fruits, brown sugar, unsalted butter, water, golden syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger.

Step 2

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well combined.

Step 3

Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with baking parchment.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and bicarbonate of soda.

Step 6

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the cooled fruit mixture. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 7

Beat the eggs lightly in a separate bowl, then add them to the batter along with the vanilla extract. Stir until the eggs are fully incorporated.

Step 8

If using, fold in the chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 11

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.

Step 12

Optional: For extra richness, you can brush the cooled cake with a bit of brandy or rum and wrap it in foil to mature for a few days before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1710.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5675.8

Total Fat 208.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 84.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 704.1mg	0%
Sodium 1402.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 922.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 51.9g	0%
Total Sugars 623.3g
Protein 72.0g	0%

Vitamin D 82IU	0%
Calcium 714.5mg	0%
Iron 29.6mg	0%
Potassium 5701.7mg	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: 32.1%

Protein: 4.9%

Carbs: 63.0%