My Brandy Infused Fruit Loaf is a delicious adult tea-time treat with it’s boozy spicy aroma. This moist sponge cake, bursting with fruit and brandy is a taste sensation.

Brandy, apple and caramel flavour mingle together to create this simple loaf. This recipe is for two loaves and makes a perfect gift to share with friends and family.

FRUIT LOAF INGREDIENTS

• BRAMBLY APPLE: Any apples will do but Brambly apples retain texture and add moisture to the loaf crumb.

• MIXED FRUIT: You can buy ready mixed fruit or make your own. The mixed fruits I have used here are: 100 g raisins, 100 g sultanas. 100 g cherries, 50 g currents, 50 g mixed peel, 40 g apricots and 40 g golden raisins.

• PLAIN FLOUR: Plain all purpose flour is used to create the crumb. You can use self-raising flour of course. Just leave out the baking soda from the recipe.

• BUTTER: Full fat butter used for flavour and moistness.

• BROWN SUGAR: Dark brown sugar adds a sweet caramel flavour and balance to the loaf.

• CHOPPED WALNUTS: Flavour and texture

• BAKING SODA: Reacts with the acidity of the apples and creates a rise in the loaf.

• EGGS: Free range eggs are best. They enrich and bind the ingredients to form the batter.

• MIXED SPICE: Traditional flavourings for a fruit loaf.

• BRANDY: Use you preferred brand.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Besides the obvious butter, here are a few ideas to elevate your fruit loaf slice to the next level:

CUSTARD, ICE-CREAM AND WARMED FRUIT LOAF: Similar to a classic Christmas pudding, the brandy infused fruit loaf pairs wonderfully with vanilla custard and ice-cream. The contrast between hot and cold makes a pleasurable eating experience.

CHEESE: A mature cheddar or a moreish goats cheese cuts the richness of the brandy fruit and caramel undertones of the loaf.

RECIPE

Brandy Fruit Loaf

Spiced loaf jeweled with brandy infused fruit.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine European

Servings 2 2 lb loaves

Equipment

• 2 2 lb loaf tins
• 1 Saucepan small
• 1 Potato masher

Ingredients

  

• 480 g mixed fruit
• 340 g plain flour
• 300 g peeled brambly apples
• 225 g salted butter
• 225 g dark brown sugar
• 4 tbsp chopped walnuts
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp mixed spice rounded
• 2 medium eggs
• 70 ml brandy

Instructions

 

• In a glass bowl, add your mixed fruit selection and the brandy. Soak and occasionally agitate and turn the fruit in the brandy for a minimum of 2 hours, overnight preferably.
• When it is time to start, peel and cut the apples. Place in a microwavable dish and heat on full power for 4.5 minutes. When done, use a potato masher and break down the apples. Leave some texture in the apple sauce.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and dark brown sugar. Continue to stir until the sugar has dissolved. Remove off the heat and add the apples to the caramel. Allow to cool.
• Add baking soda and beaten eggs to the caramel apples.
• Stir in the sieved flour, mixed spice and then fold in the brandy infused fruit.
• Pour into 2 lined 2 lb loaf tins and cook at Gas 4, or 160 fan.
• At the 50 minute mark, check the loaves with a skewer and if it comes out clean then they are done. If batter is on the skewer then allow another 5 minutes and retest.
• Once removed allow to cool.
• The loaves mature and develop and are best stored in an air tight container. They are best enjoyed from the next day onward.

Keyword Brandy, Fruit, Spice

If you enjoyed my Brandy Infused Fruit Loaf, why not try out a few of my other breakfast recipes such as Wonderfully Moreish Honey Loaf or my Perfect Breakfast Pancakes.