Jamaican Fruit Cake (Vegan, Gluten free)

Step 1

Preheat the oven 150c/302f/gas mark 2 (this isn't a mistake!!)

Step 2

Grease an 8 inch spring form pan

Step 3

Line the pan by using a pencil/pen to form a circle around the removable base and line the sides. Then set aside.

Step 4

Add all of the fruit to a medium sized saucepan along with the red grape juice, water and simmer on medium-low heat for 15 minutes (until most of the liquid has absorbed) then leave to cool down.

Step 5

Add the fruit to your food processor/blender and pulse until your desired texture is achieved. I like a pudding style of cake so I semi (with some bits) puree my fruit. Then set aside.

Step 6

Place the gluten free flour, almond flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, mixed spice, baking powder and pink salt into a medium bowl and combine.

Step 7

In another medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric whisk/mixer until fluffy.

Step 8

Add the applesauce, pureed fruit ,browning sauce, almond essence, vanilla and whisk (by hand) to form a smooth paste.

Step 9

Add the bowl of flour to the wet ingredients - adding the flour a little at a time while whisking until fully incorporated.

Step 10

Any chopped or dried mixed fruit should be added at this stage.

Step 11

Pour the cake batter into the cake pan.

Step 12

Place some water in a large oven proof bowl to create a water bath and place this on the bottom oven shelf underneath the pan (this will help with heat distribution)

Step 13

Bake the cake on the middle shelf for around 1hr and 30 minutes to 2 hours. If the cake is browning too much half way through baking, place some foil over the top of the cake.

Step 14

Once done check the readiness by inserting a skewer or a knife. It should come out clean when done. If not return to the oven to bake for 10-15 minute intervals (foil covered) and repeat.

Step 15

Combine the grape juice, rum flavouring and water together in a spray bottle and spray the top of the cake.

Step 16

Allow the cake to completely cool (preferably overnight) before slicing (you can spray more liquid once the cake is cool).