Preparation time
overnight
Cooking time
1 to 2 hours
Serves
Makes 2 loaves
Recommended by
6 people
Dietary
Put the dried fruit into a large pan and cover with the bottled beer.
Gently heat the fruit until the beer is hot, but not boiling. Remove from the heat, cover and leave overnight.
When you are ready to cook the loaf, preheat the oven to 140C/275F/Gas 1.
Add the sugar, flours, mixed spice and eggs to the fruit mixture. Stir well until all the ingredients are combined.
Divide the mixture between two greased 500g/1Ib 2oz loaf tins.
Bake for 1¼ hours until risen, pale brown and firm to the touch.
Cover with a tea towel and leave on a wire rack to cool.
Wrap the loaves tightly in cling film and keep in a cool, dry place for up to 6 weeks. This loaf is delicious buttered with raspberry jam or served with a piece of Wensleydale cheese.
