Manx Bonnag

About This Recipe

Bonnag is a dense, spiced fruit cake that is deeply woven into Manx cultural tradition. Often served at Tynwald Day and other celebrations, this cake features warm spices and dried fruits soaked in tea.

Ingredients

Serves 12

• 200 gdried mixed fruit(soaked in tea)
• 150 gbutter(softened)
• 150 glight brown sugar
• 2 largeeggs
• 225 gself-raising flour
• 1 tspmixed spice

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare fruit

   Soak dried fruit in hot tea for 30 minutes, then drain well.

2. 2

   Cream butter and sugar

   Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

3. 3

   Add eggs

   Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well between additions.

4. 4

   Combine dry ingredients

   Fold in flour and mixed spice, then fold in the drained fruit.

5. 5

   Bake

   Pour into greased 20cm cake tin and bake at 160°C for 50-60 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.

Variations

• •

  Add chopped walnuts or almonds

• •

  Use different dried fruits like dates or apricots

• •

  Add a dash of whisky to the soaked fruit

Storage

Keeps in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Flavor improves if left for a day before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions