Erm, I'm not much of a baker JD, as my children will testify, but I vaguely remember my mum telling me the fruit is heavier than the sponge mixture, so to coat it in flour before adding it to the mix.
I might be completely wrong tho, so I hope some proper bakers come on to help you.
found this on a tips site as a list of possible reasons
If raisins, dried fruit and nuts sink to the bottom:
The pieces of fruit were too large and too heavy.
The sugary syrup on the outside of the fruit was not washed off- this caused the pieces of fruit to slide through the mixture as it heated.
The washed and dried fruit was not dusted with flour before being added to the mixture.
The cake mixture was over beaten or was too wet so it could not hold the fruit in place.
The oven temperature was too low, causing the mixture to melt before it set to hold the fruit in place.
Next time JD, drain the fruit so that it doesn't contain any syrup or liquid and dry it on kitchen paper. Roll the fruit in a little flour and then gently stir it into the cake mixture. Make sure your oven is at the right temperature (remember that fan ovens often reach a slightly higher temperature than ordinary ones very quickly) and DO NOT open the oven door when your cake is baking...... unless you want a collapsed cake on your conscience again !
What do you mean by a collapsed cake on my conscience again Jug! I've never had that problem - who's been talking??? spill !!!!!!!!!! LOL
Thanks for the tips guys
Ooops,,, ok a fruit sinking situation on your conscience then... lol.... J looks at the fruit at the bottom of JD's cake yet again, just in case it can shed enlightenment.... :)
If you look up Delia's website , she gives a recipe for cherry cake where the cherries don't sink. I have tried it and it works, so it must be idiot-proof. There's lots of ground almonds in it and it tastes great. Yum yum, might try to find the recipe myself tomorrow.
looked at Delia's recipe and to be honest I don't want a cherry & almond cake so I'm gonna give it a miss next time but thanks.
BOO - I missed you last night, you must have taken that spoon of yours somewhere else <hurt>
I'll make some more - get yourself over here on the double misses! <need that spoon, must have spoon> LOL