Empire cake

**Skandi** · 05-11-2009, 02:29 PM

The name comes form the fact that any idiot cook in the empire could cook it, it is very difficult to cock up, the proportions do not need to be exact, neither does the oven temperature. Extra dried fruit makes it softer.

150g butter, chopped
600g mixed fruit
180g soft brown sugar
2tsp ground mixed spice
250ml water
2 eggs, well beaten
300g self-raising flour
Brandy or brandy flavouring (optional)

METHOD

Heat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Combine the butter, fruit, sugar, mixed spice, and water in a saucepan. Bring to the boil, stirring, then set aside to cool.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with a wooden spoon. add flour into the mixture and beat well. Pour into a lightly oiled cake tin of about 22cm diameter.

Bake for an hour, or until a thin skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before taking the cake from the tin. Cool and store in an airtight container until required.

If you use the brandy add is before the eggs, this makes a good Christmas or wedding cake, make it a couple of months before and keep pouring in brandy, then ice it.