300g(1 ½cup)dried fruit, finely chopped (I used a mixture of dates, dried cranberries, dried figs, prunes and dried apricots, but you can use whatever dried fruit mix you like)
1tablespoon(1tablespoon)unwaxed orange zest(or sub 1 teaspoon orange extract)
50g(½cup)walnuts , finely chopped (or sub pecan nuts)
1teaspoon(1teaspoon)ground ginger
½teaspoon(½teaspoon)ground cinnamon
1teaspoon(1teaspoon)mixed spice(or sub a mixture of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves)
Generous amount (Generous amount )brandy or sherry(ensure vegan/gluten-free if necessary - or sub apple or orange juice)
60g(¼cup)coconut oil(or sub olive or vegetable oil)
2heaped teaspoons (2heaped teaspoons )baking powder(ensure gluten-free if necessary)
¼teaspoon(¼teaspoon)bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
To decorate (optional):
Flaked almonds
Instructions
Place the dried fruit, orange zest, walnuts, ginger, cinnamon and mixed spice in a bowl and add a generous amount of brandy or sherry, until everything is roughly covered.
Keep covered in the fridge for around 24 hours, to allow the flavours to develop.
Before making the cake, preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
Place the coconut oil in a large bowl and melt over a saucepan of boiling water or in the microwave (skip this step if using any other oil).
Once melted, add the milk to the same bowl along with the maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla, salt and ground almonds.
Sift in the flour, baking powder and bicarbonate of soda.
Add the dried fruit mixture (along with any residual brandy), adding a tiny splash more milk if it’s looking too dry.
Transfer mixture into a loaf tin lined with greased baking paper (I used a one-pound loaf tin).
Scatter over flaked almonds before baking, if desired.
Bake in oven for 45 minutes until risen and an inserted skewer comes out clean.
This is definitely not as sweet as a traditional fruit cake. If you prefer a sweeter cake, add 4 tablespoons of sweetener of choice, such as maple syrup.
You can also make this without soaking the dried fruit a day in advance - place the dried fruit and alcohol (or juice) mixture in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1 - 1 ½ minutes. Then leave to soak for 30 minutes.