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1
Preheat the oven to 150c/300f/gas 2.
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2
Grease a deep 8 inch round or 7 inch square tin.
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3
Line the base & sides with a double thickness of greaseproof paper & then grease this as well.
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4
Make sure the paper lining the sides are taller than the tin.
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5
Beat the eggs & Baily's together in a jug or bowl.
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6
Sift the flour, sugar & spices into the fruit mixture.
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7
Add the beaten egg mixture to the other ingredients.
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8
Beat together thoroughly with a wooden spoon for 2-3 minutes, until completely combined.
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9
DO NOT USE A FOOD PROCESSOR.
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10
Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin.
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11
Level with the back of a spoon.
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12
Make a slight indentation in the centre of the mixture so it will rise evenly.
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13
Bake in the centre of the oven 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hours.
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14
Test the cake after 2 1/2 hours by inserting a clean metal skewer into the centre of the cake.
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15
If it is cooked, the skewer will come out clean & the centre will be firm when pressed lightly.
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16
If it is not cooked, return to the oven, but test at intervals.
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17
If the top is browning too quickly, place a disc of foil or brown paper over it to reduce burning.
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18
Once cooked, remove from the oven & allow to cool completely in the tin.
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19
Turn the cake out onto a wire wrack, leaving the lining paper on.
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20
Using a clean skewer, prick the top of the cake in places.
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21
Spoon over a dessert spoon of Brandy.
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22
Wrap the cake in foil or muslin, if available.
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23
Place in an airtight tin.
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24
Feed the cake with Brandy at intervals (once very two weeks) until required.
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25
If using as Christmas cake, the cake can be iced as usual, or you can decorate with just a dusting of icing sugar & ribbon.