5-Minute Miracle Fruit Cake Recipe
Looking for a quick fruit cake recipe that tastes like it took hours to bake? This 5-Minute Miracle Cake is soft, moist, and packed with flavor from juicy dried fruit, zesty orange, warm spices, and buttery richness. Whether you need a last-minute Christmas cake, a simple afternoon tea treat, or a moist cake recipe for the family, this one-bowl wonder is the answer!
Ingredients:
225g (1 cup) unsalted butter
225g (1 cup) soft brown sugar
225g (1½ cups) mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
Zest + juice of 1 orange
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp mixed spice (or ½ tsp each nutmeg + allspice)
2 large eggs, beaten
225g (1¾ cups) self-raising flour (or AP flour + 2 tsp baking powder)
2–3 tbsp brandy, rum, or sherry (optional for extra richness)
Directions:
Step 1: Prep
Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan) / 325°F / gas 3. Line a 900g (2 lb) loaf tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Boil the Fruit
In a saucepan, melt butter. Add sugar, dried fruit, orange zest, orange juice, and spices.
Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often, then cool for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Batter
Stir beaten eggs into the cooled fruit mixture.
Fold in flour gently.
Step 4: Bake
Pour batter into the loaf tin.
Bake 1½–1¾ hours (cover with foil if browning too quickly).
Check with a skewer it should come out clean.
Step 5: Store & Serve
Cool for 10 minutes in the tin before transferring to a rack.
Optional: Wrap and store for 1–2 days to deepen flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Quick Fruit Cake
No self-raising flour? Use AP flour + 2 tsp baking powder.
Gluten-free option: Replace flour with a GF blend + 1 tsp xanthan gum.
Want a richer taste? Swap in dark brown sugar or add treacle.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Fruit Cake
Ready in just 5 minutes of prep
Moist, buttery, and perfectly spiced
Works as a holiday cake, tea cake, or quick dessert
Can be made boozy or alcohol-free
This easy 5-minute fruit cake recipe is perfect for Christmas baking, afternoon tea, or last-minute entertaining. Once you try this moist miracle cake, it’ll become a family favorite!
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