Here’s a rich, moist, and bakery-style Ultimate Fruit Cake Loaf with full details and clear directions 🍰🍒
Perfect for tea time, holidays, or gifting.
🍰 Ultimate Fruit Cake Loaf
⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
⏱ Bake Time: 60–70 minutes
🍽 Yield: 1 loaf (9×5 inch pan)
🧾 Ingredients
Dried Fruits & Nuts:
-
Mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, cherries, cranberries) – 1½ cups
-
Candied peel (optional) – ¼ cup
-
Chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) – ½ cup
-
Orange juice or apple juice – ½ cup (for soaking)
Batter:
-
All-purpose flour – 1¾ cups
-
Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
-
Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
-
Salt – ¼ teaspoon
-
Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
-
Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon
-
Unsalted butter (softened) – ½ cup (113 g)
-
Brown sugar – ¾ cup
-
Eggs – 2 large
-
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
-
Orange or lemon zest – 1 tablespoon
-
Milk or yogurt – ¼ cup
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Soak the Fruits
-
In a bowl, combine all dried fruits and candied peel.
-
Pour orange or apple juice over the fruits.
-
Let soak for 20–30 minutes (or overnight for extra moisture).
-
Drain excess liquid before using.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
-
Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).
-
Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
-
In a bowl, whisk together:
-
Flour
-
Baking powder
-
Baking soda
-
Salt
-
Cinnamon and nutmeg
-
-
Set aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter & Sugar
-
In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
-
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
-
Mix in vanilla extract and citrus zest.
Step 5: Make the Batter
-
Add dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with milk/yogurt.
-
Mix gently until just combined.
-
Fold in soaked fruits and chopped nuts using a spatula.
Step 6: Bake
-
Pour batter evenly into prepared loaf pan.
-
Smooth the top.
-
Bake for 60–70 minutes.
-
Cover loosely with foil after 45 minutes if top browns too fast.
-
Cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
-
Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes.
-
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Slice and serve.
✨ Optional Glaze (Extra Richness)
-
Warm 2 tablespoons apricot jam + 1 tablespoon water
-
Brush over warm loaf for shine and moisture
⭐ Tips for Best Fruit Cake
-
Always soak fruits for softness and flavor
-
Do not overmix batter
-
Cake tastes even better next day
-
Store wrapped at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for 1 week
🍽 Serving Ideas
-
With tea or coffee ☕
-
Lightly toasted with butter
-
Drizzled with honey or custard
