During my pre-Christmas baking extravaganza, I decided to make a second type of fruitcake using “lighter” ingredients. This meant using light brown sugar rather than dark, and including a hearty quantity of apricots (hence this recipe’s name), golden raisins, and currants, rather than candied cherries and dates.

Both Mike and my mom tried both types of fruitcake, and while they preferred the darker version, they also liked this one. I chose to bake this recipe in two smaller loaf tins, which I think helps with baking time, and also allows you to give one away as a gift – perfect for the holidays. My second loaf went to my friend Arvind and his family, and he let me know that it was gone in less than 48 hours.

Ingredients

• Heaping 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) diced dried apricots
• Heaping 3/4 cup (125 grams) golden raisins
• Heaping 1/2 cup (75 grams) currants
• 6 tablespoons dark rum
• 8 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons golden syrup
• Heaping 2/3 cup (90 grams) chopped toasted pecans
• 1/4 cup cranberry juice
• A few more tablespoons rum, for brushing

Preparation

Combine dried fruits and 6 tablespoons dark rum in a glass or ceramic bowl; stir together and let rest overnight.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Lightly grease two 8 x 4 loaf tins.

In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add salt, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and baking powder and beat to combine. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping the bowl and mixing well between each addition. Add flour and golden syrup and beat until just combined; add cranberry juice and beat, then fold in rum-soaked fruits and pecans, stirring to distribute evenly.

Spoon batter into loaf tins, dividing evenly and filling about 3/4 full. Bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then brush with remaining rum. Allow to cool completely; fruitcake can be stored in the loaf tin for several days. Makes two 8 x 4 loaves; servings vary based on how thick you slice it.