Ultimate Fruit Cake Loaf

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.

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🍰 Ultimate Fruit Cake Loaf

⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes

⏱ Bake Time: 60–70 minutes

🍽 Yield: 1 loaf (9×5 inch pan)

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🧾 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

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Soak the Fruits

1. In a bowl, combine all dried fruits and candied peel.

2. Pour orange or apple juice over the fruits.

3. Let soak for 20–30 minutes (or overnight for extra moisture).

4. Drain excess liquid before using.

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Step 2: Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).

2. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.

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Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a bowl, whisk together:

   • Flour

   • Baking powder

   • Baking soda

   • Salt

   • Cinnamon and nutmeg

2. Set aside.

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Step 4: Cream Butter & Sugar

1. In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).

2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

3. Mix in vanilla extract and citrus zest.

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Step 5: Make the Batter

1. Add dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with milk/yogurt.

2. Mix gently until just combined.

3. Fold in soaked fruits and chopped nuts using a spatula.

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Step 6: Bake

1. Pour batter evenly into prepared loaf pan.

2. Smooth the top.

3. Bake for 60–70 minutes.

4. Cover loosely with foil after 45 minutes if top browns too fast.

5. Cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean.

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Step 7: Cool & Serve

1. Let cake cool in pan for 15 minutes.

2. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Slice and serve.

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✨ Optional Glaze (Extra Richness)

• Warm 2 tablespoons apricot jam + 1 tablespoon water

• Brush over warm loaf for shine and moisture

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⭐ 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

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🍽 Serving Ideas

• With tea or coffee ☕

• Lightly toasted with butter

• Drizzled with honey or custard