Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (200g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants, cherries, or apricots)
- ½ cup (120ml) orange juice (or brandy/rum for a boozy version)
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 1 orange
- ¼ cup (30g) chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts – optional)
For Decoration (optional):
- Icing sugar for dusting
- Marzipan and royal icing
- Glazed cherries, nuts, or holly leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruits:
- In a small bowl, soak the mixed dried fruits in orange juice (or alcohol) for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a richer flavor.
- Make the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the orange zest.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Stir in the soaked fruits (along with any remaining liquid) and nuts, if using.
- Prepare the Cake Pan:
- Grease a small 6-inch (15cm) cake pan or line it with parchment paper. Ensure it fits your air fryer basket.
- Air Fry the Cake:
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
- Place the cake pan in the air fryer basket and cook for 40-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. (Check after 30 minutes to avoid over-baking; you may need to cover it with foil if the top browns too quickly.)
- Cool and Decorate:
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing it.
- Optionally, cover with marzipan and royal icing for a classic Christmas look, or dust with icing sugar for simplicity.
