Classic Fruitcake Loaf
Classic Fruitcake Loaf is a rich, dense holiday treat packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea.
- Author: Mariem
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, chopped dried apricots)
- 1/2 cup candied cherries, halved
- 1/2 cup candied citrus peel, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together dried fruits, candied cherries, and citrus peel. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with orange juice, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Stir in the mixed fruits and nuts until well combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60–75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Wrap and store fruitcake for a few days before serving to enhance flavor.
- You can soak dried fruits in orange juice or rum overnight for extra moisture and taste.
- Fruitcake can be frozen for up to 3 months if tightly wrapped.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: fruitcake, holiday loaf, Christmas cake, classic fruitcake, dried fruit loaf, festive dessert