What Can I Use As A Non-Alcoholic Alternative To Rum For The Marzipan Fruit Cake?

Our answer

Nigella's Marzipan Fruit Cake (from HOW TO BE A DOMESTIC GODDESS) is a light fruit cake that contains a combination of dried fruits and glacé (candied) cherries that are soaked overniight in white rum before they are added to the batter. The fruits are soaked so that they absorb the liquid and swell up and become more tender. The combination of almonds, marzipan and plump fruits help to make the cake moist.

The alcohol does tend to cook out as the cake bakes, but if you would prefer a non-alcoholic alternative then orange juice is probably the best substitiute as it compliments the flavours of the almonds and the orange flower water. The Marzipan Fruit Cake does not need long maturing and does not keep as well as a rich fruit cake, so it is best within 1 week of making but will keep for 2-3 weeks in total. Wrap the cooled cake in baking parchment (parchment paper) and store in an airtight container in a cool place