Indulge in the rich heritage and delectable flavors of Guernsey with our signature Guernsey Fruit Cake. Made with a cherished recipe passed down through generations, this sumptuous cake combines the finest locally sourced fruits, including succulent cherries, tangy citrus peel, and plump raisins, to create a symphony of taste and texture. Each bite is a journey through Guernsey's culinary history, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea on a cozy afternoon or shared as a centerpiece at special gatherings, our Guernsey Fruit Cake promises to delight discerning palates and evoke the warmth of Guernsey's hospitality.

Here's a recipe for Guernsey Fruit Cake:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 cup (120ml) brandy or rum
• 2 cups (300g) mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, chopped dates, chopped apricots)
• 1 cup (150g) mixed nuts, chopped (such as almonds, walnuts, pecans)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.

2- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

5- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until well combined.

6- Stir in the brandy or rum until evenly incorporated.

7- Fold in the mixed dried fruits, chopped nuts, lemon zest, and orange zest until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

8- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

9- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

11- Once cooled, you can optionally brush the top of the cake with additional brandy or rum for extra flavor.

12- Slice and serve the Guernsey Fruit Cake on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

This rich and flavorful Guernsey Fruit Cake is perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging in a delightful treat with loved ones.

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Guernsey Fruit Cake recipe:

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, 225g):

• Calories: 1628
• Fat: 184g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 2g

benefits:Provides energy and is a source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. It also adds richness and flavor to baked goods.

Brown Sugar (1 cup, 200g):

• Calories: 836
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 217g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Adds sweetness and moisture to the cake. Contains small amounts of minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium compared to white sugar.

Large Eggs (4 eggs, 200g):

• Calories: 286
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 24g

benefits:Rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin B12, riboflavin, and selenium. They help bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups, 250g):

• Calories: 905
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 189g
• Protein: 28g

benefits:Provides carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy. It also contains small amounts of protein and micronutrients like iron and B vitamins.

Baking Powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 2
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:A leavening agent that helps the cake rise by releasing carbon dioxide gas when heated.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Enhances flavor and regulates the yeast activity in the dough. It also plays a role in maintaining fluid balance in the body.

Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cake. Cinnamon is also believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Adds a warm, nutty flavor to the cake. Nutmeg is thought to have antibacterial properties and may aid digestion.

Ground Cloves (1/4 teaspoon):

• Calories: 2
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Contributes a strong, spicy flavor to the cake. Cloves are rich in antioxidants and have been used in traditional medicine for their analgesic and antibacterial properties.

Ground Allspice (1/4 teaspoon):

• Calories: 1
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Adds a complex flavor reminiscent of a combination of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Allspice is rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Brandy or Rum (1/2 cup, 120ml):

• Calories: 380 (depending on the specific brand and type)
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Adds flavor and moisture to the cake. The alcohol evaporates during baking, leaving behind a rich aroma.

Mixed Dried Fruits (2 cups, 300g): (varies greatly depending on the specific fruits used)

• Calories: Varies
• Fat: Varies
• Carbohydrates: Varies
• Protein: Varies

benefits:Provide natural sweetness and a variety of nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Dried fruits are also a good source of antioxidants.

Mixed Nuts (1 cup, 150g): (varies greatly depending on the specific nuts used)

• Calories: Varies
• Fat: Varies
• Carbohydrates: Varies
• Protein: Varies

benefits:Add texture, crunch, and flavor to the cake. Nuts are high in healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Zest of 1 Lemon:

• Calories: 3
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the cake. Lemon zest is rich in essential oils and antioxidants.

Zest of 1 Orange:

• Calories: 7
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and preparation methods.