Port Wine Fruit Cake
Rich, moist, and full of festive flavor — this Port Wine Fruit Cake combines tender dried fruits, aromatic spices, and the deep sweetness of port wine. Perfect for the holidays or a cozy afternoon tea.
Ingredients
- 200g mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped apricots)
- 100g candied fruit (cherries, citrus peel)
- 150ml port wine
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 100g chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional glaze: warmed apricot jam or honey for a glossy finish
Instructions
1. Soak the Fruits
Combine the dried and candied fruits in a bowl. Pour over the port wine and stir well. Cover and let sit for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the fruits absorb the rich, sweet flavor.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake tin with parchment paper.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light, creamy, and fluffy — about 3–5 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Mix the Batter
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined — do not overmix.
7. Add Fruits and Nuts
Gently fold in the soaked fruits (along with any remaining port) and chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for about 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Add a Glaze (Optional)
Warm some apricot jam or honey and lightly brush it over the cooled cake for a beautiful, glossy finish.
11. Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve your Port Wine Fruit Cake with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of dessert wine. The flavors deepen after a day or two, making it even more delicious!
Tips & Variations
- Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist.
- Store in an airtight container for several days — or freeze for longer storage.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
