Mini Fruit Cake Muffins

Mini Fruit Cake Muffins are a delightful twist on traditional fruit cake. They’re soft, moist, packed with dried fruits and nuts, and perfectly portioned for snacks, tea time, or festive gifting. No long aging required—these are ready to enjoy the same day.

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Ingredients (Makes 18–24 mini muffins)

Dry Ingredients

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Fruits & Nuts

• ¾ cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, chopped dates, cranberries, cherries)

• ¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)

• 1 tablespoon flour (for coating fruits)

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter

• ½ cup orange juice or milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease or line a mini muffin tin.

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2. Prepare Fruits

• Toss dried fruits and nuts with 1 tablespoon flour.
  (This prevents them from sinking.)

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3. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

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4. Mix Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, beat eggs and brown sugar until smooth.

2. Add oil (or butter), orange juice, vanilla, and zest. Mix well.

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5. Combine Batter

1. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.

2. Fold in the floured fruits and nuts gently.

3. Do not overmix—the batter should be thick but spoonable.

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6. Bake

1. Fill muffin cups about ¾ full.

2. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

3. Cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

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Optional Glaze (Festive Touch)

• Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons orange juice.

• Drizzle over cooled muffins.

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Tips for Perfect Mini Fruit Cake Muffins

• Chop fruits finely for even distribution.

• Orange juice enhances the fruit cake flavor.

• Store in an airtight container; flavor improves after 1 day.

• Can be lightly brushed with warm honey or apricot jam for shine.

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Variations

• Alcohol-Free Christmas Style: Soak fruits in orange juice overnight.

• Traditional Fruit Cake Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon mixed spice.

• Chocolate Fruit Muffins: Add ¼ cup chocolate chips.

• Healthy Version: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.

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Storage

• Room temperature: 3–4 days

• Refrigerator: up to 1 week

• Freezer: up to 2 months