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Holiday Spiced Fruitcake Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting – Moist Fruit-Filled Cake with Warm Spices

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Holiday Spiced Fruitcake Loaf is a moist, warmly spiced quick bread filled with dried fruits and nuts, then topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. A modern take on the classic holiday fruitcake, it’s perfect for festive gatherings and edible gifts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as cranberries, raisins, cherries, chopped apricots)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  6. Fold in dried fruits and chopped nuts.
  7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting: beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
  10. Once the loaf is fully cooled, spread cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with extra dried fruit or nuts if desired.

Notes

  • Chop larger dried fruits to ensure even distribution throughout the loaf.
  • Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
  • This loaf can be made a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop.

Nutrition

Keywords: holiday fruitcake, spiced loaf, cream cheese frosting, Christmas bread, dried fruit cake, modern fruitcake

Find it online: https://yumcove.com/holiday-spiced-fruitcake-loaf-with-cream-cheese-frosting-moist-fruit-filled-cake-with-warm-spices/