For the cake
* 2½ cups raisins
* 2 cups pitted chopped prunes
* 2 cups candied cherries
* 2 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped Golden Delicious apples
* 11/3 cups golden raisins
* 2½ cups hard apple or pear cider
* 4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 tsp baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 12 tbsp butter, at room temperature
* ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar
* 3 large eggs, beaten
* 1¼ cups almond flour (almond meal)
For the decoration
* 8oz (240g) ready-to-roll fondant
How to make Apple Fruit Cake
-
The day before baking, bring all the fruit, cider, and spice to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from the heat, cover, and let stand at least 12 hours at room temperature.
-
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) Lightly butter the cake pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper.
-
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer about 3 minutes. Gradually beat in the eggs. Stir in the flour mixture and ground almonds, then the soaked fruit and its liquid. Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
-
Bake for about 2½ hours, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Transfer to a rack and cool for 15 mins. Invert and unmold the cake and remove the paper and let cool.
-
Knead the fondant and roll into a 9in (23cm) square about 1/8 in (3mm) thick. Brush the cake with the preserves. Place the fondant on the cake. Cut into pieces and serve.
Enjoy !!