Bob’s Favorite cake at Halloween: Barmbrack

This is a pretty foolproof cake to make and we love it in our house

Ingredients

• 375 g (13oz) packet of mixed dried fruit
• 250 ml (9fl oz) cold tea
• butter, for greasing
• 225 g (8oz) plain flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 125 g (4½oz) soft light brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp mixed spice
• 1 large egg
• a ring, to place inside (optional)

Method

• Place the mixed dried fruit in a bowl and pour over the cold tea. Allow to soak overnight.
• Preheat the oven to 170°C (325°F/Gas 3). Grease and line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin.
• Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and mixed spice in a mixing bowl. Make a well and break in the egg, then use a wooden spoon to mix it with the dry ingredients. Add a little bit of the liquid from the mixed fruit and mix it through. You may not need all the liquid,but the mixture should be wet rather than dry.
• Stir in the mixed fruit until everything is thoroughly combined. Add the ring and stir through. Spoon the wet dough into the lined loaf tin, place on the middle shelf in the oven and bake for 1 hour.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before removing from the loaf tin and placing on wire rack.
• This is the tricky bit; Cover in cling film and foil and allow to sit for 1–2 days before cutting into it.
• But in our house it is eaten as soon as it is cold enough to put butter on it.

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