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Classic Easy Fruit Cake with Cherries and Mixed Fruit
Homemade Fruit Cake with Lemon, Golden Syrup, and Glacé Cherries
Fruit cake doesn’t have to be complicated. This recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and always turns out moist and full of flavor. It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because you want a treat.
Why you will love and enjoy this Easy Fruit Cake
- Stays fresh for days, making it great for gifting or celebrations
- Easy to follow recipe for beginners or seasoned bakers
- Packed with mixed fruit and sweet cherries for a rich taste

This easy fruit cake is rich, moist, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just when you feel like baking something sweet. You can enjoy it warm with custard, topped with creamy vanilla ice cream, or simply on its own
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Rich Holiday Fruit Cake with Mixed Fruit and Lemon
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 servings depending on size 1x
- Category: Cake, Cupcakes, Cookies and Tarts
- Method: Easy
Description
Moist fruit cake with cherries and lemon zest for a sweet, flavorful bake anyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
- 150g self-rising flour
- 150g nutty flour or whole wheat flour
- 225g butter
- 225g caramel or brown sugar
- 1 lemon rind, grated
- 5 extra-large eggs
- 450g mixed dried cake fruit
- 125g glacé cherries
- 25ml golden sugar syrup
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and lemon rind until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one.
- Stir in the golden syrup.
- In another bowl, mix the self-rising flour with the nutty or whole wheat flour.
- Cut the cherries into quarters and mix them with the flour and dried fruit.
- Fold the fruit and flour mixture into the butter mixture until everything is combined.
- Spoon the batter into a deep 23cm round cake tin.
- Bake at 160°C/320°F for 2 to 2½ hours, or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before slicing.
Notes
Created, prepared, tried, and tested by Niezaar Safodien
A slice of this easy fruit cake is pure comfort. Packed with cherries, mixed fruit, and a hint of lemon, it’s the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.

This Easy Fruit Cake is rich, moist, and full of flavor from cherries, lemon zest, and golden syrup. It’s simple to make, perfect for celebrations, and delicious served warm or at room temperature.
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Oh, this reminds me of my mom’s recipe! She used to make it at Christmastime. I love the cherries in it. Visiting from the Love Your Creativity linkup.
Yes, it’s a firm favorite for Christmas, and many a time I will add peel as well. Enjoy it