Name: These Peachy Pecan Fruit Cakes make delightful Christmas gifts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 375g packet mixed dried fruit; ¾ cup chopped dried peaches; 100g packet red glace cherries, halved; 175g butter, chopped; ½ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar; ¼ cup golden syrup; ½ cup sweet sherry, plus 2 tbsp extra; 1 Granny Smith apple (170g), peeled, grated; ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda; 2 x 59g eggs, lightly beaten; 1¼ cups plain flour; ¼ cup self-raising flour; 1½ tsp mixed spice; ⅓ cup chopped pecans, plus extra for decorating (optional)

These Peachy Pecan Fruit Cakes make delightful Christmas gifts

Spread the festive cheer with these individual cakes.

Skip to Recipe

Makes 8

Prep

10M

Cook

50M

Resting

30M

Total

TIP – Cakes will keep in an airtight container in a cool place for up to one month.

Sherry can be replaced with brandy or rum.

Ingredients

375g packet mixed dried fruit

¾ cup chopped dried peaches

100g packet red glace cherries, halved

175g butter, chopped

½ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

¼ cup golden syrup

½ cup sweet sherry, plus 2 tbsp extra

1 Granny Smith apple (170g), peeled, grated

½ tsp bicarbonate of soda

2 x 59g eggs, lightly beaten

1¼ cups plain flour

¼ cup self-raising flour

1½ tsp mixed spice

⅓ cup chopped pecans, plus extra for decorating (optional)

Method

Step 1

Grease an 8-hole (1-cup capacity) mini loaf pan. Line holes with baking paper to cover bases and sides, extending 2cm above edges.

Step 2

Combine mixed fruit, peaches, cherries, butter, sugar, syrup, sherry and ¼ cup water in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Stir until butter is melted. Bring to boil. Gently boil for 5 mins. Remove from heat. Transfer to a large heatproof bowl. Stir in apple and soda. Cool 30 mins.

Step 3

Stir in eggs, then stir in flours, spice and pecans until combined. Divide mixture evenly into prepared pan holes. Lightly press extra halved pecans in a star pattern over tops, as pictured.

Step 4

Cook in 150°C preheated oven for about 45 mins, until cooked when tested with a skewer. Brush extra sherry over hot cakes. Cover pan with baking paper, then foil and a clean tea towel. Cool completely.

Step 5

Remove cakes from pan. Serve sliced.

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