BEST & EASIEST FRUIT CAKE

BEST & EASIEST FRUIT CAKE
Makes a 20cm round or square cake.

INGREDIENTS: 1 kg dried mixed fruit; 600 ml chocolate milk; 2 cups self-raising flour

METHOD: Preheat oven to 160°C.Cut two circles of baking paper to fit the base of a 20cm round springform baking tin. Cut two lengths of baking paper to fit around the side of the tin, leaving enough paper to overhang the tin by 5cm. Snip the long edge of the paper every 4-5 cm into 1-2cm cuts. Place the paper around the edge of the tin, so that the snipped edge lays on the base of the tin, creating a smooth surface. Place the two circles of paper on the bottom and set the tin aside.Place the fruit and milk in a large bowl and mix well to combine. At this stage, you can leave the fruit to soak overnight – I did – but if you’re in a hurry, continue on regardless. Use a large metal or wooden spoon to add the flour, a bit at a time, and mix well with each addition so the flour is completely mixed through. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth down the surface. Tap the tin a couple of times on the bench top to help settle the mixture right into the edges of the tin. Use the back of the spoon to create a small indent in the centre of the tin – the cake will rise during cooking and this will create a flat surface.Bake in oven for 1 hour 45 minutes or until a skewer poked into the centre of the cake comes out clean. After 1 hour, turn the cake 180 degrees so it cooks evenly. Check it again after another 30 minutes to see if it’s cooked through. If it is getting too brown, cover the surface of the cake with a piece of baking paper.Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin before removing the tin and baking paper. Wrap the cake up in two layers of clingwrap and some foil and store in an airtight container in a dark place for up to three weeks.
This is a picture of the Fruit Cake I made. I poured the Chocolate Milk over the fruit and put it in the fridge for about 24 hours. Sprinkle slivered almonds on top of the cake before cooking.
If you like a moist fruit cake - this is it.