Ingredients

For the Fruit Mixture:

• 300g mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants)
• 150g chopped dried figs
• 150g chopped apricots
• 100g chopped dates
• 100g mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, walnuts), chopped
• 200ml dark rum or brandy

For the Cake:

• 250g unsalted butter, softened
• 250g brown sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 250g all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Decoration (optional):

• Marzipan
• Royal icing
• Candied fruits

Method

1. Prepare the Fruit Mixture:

In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, chopped figs, apricots, dates, nuts, and dark rum or brandy. Mix well and let it soak for at least 24 hours, stirring occasionally.

2. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Grease and line a 23cm (9-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.

3. Make the Cake Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices, salt, and citrus zests. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the soaked fruit mixture and any remaining rum or brandy.

4. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

5. Cool and Decorate:

Let the cake cool in the tin for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can cover it with marzipan and royal icing if desired, or simply dust with powdered sugar.

Enjoy!
This rich and fruity Calcutta Christmas cake is a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. It can be made ahead of time and stored for weeks to develop even more flavor.