9 Wonderfully Cozy & Powerful Fluffy Fruit Loaf Cake Everyone Falls in Love With

Thank you for being here, dear friend There’s something timeless about a Fluffy Fruit Loaf Cake—the kind that fills the kitchen with warm spices, citrus zest, and that unmistakable buttery aroma that instantly feels like home. This is the loaf I bake when I want something comforting yet special, the kind of cake that slices beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Studded with plump dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and kissed with orange zest, this loaf is soft, rich, and perfectly balanced. It’s equally at home on a holiday table, tucked into lunchboxes, or enjoyed quietly with a cup of tea. Nonna used to say, “A good fruit cake doesn’t shout—it hugs.” And this one truly does.

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Overview of Fluffy Fruit Loaf Cake

What This Recipe Is

A tender, buttery fruit loaf cake packed with mixed dried fruits, warm spices, and a bright hint of orange. Not heavy or dense—this one is beautifully fluffy and moist.

Why You’ll Love It

• Soft, tender crumb
• Packed with fruit and nuts
• Warmly spiced and citrusy
• Perfect make-ahead loaf
• Slices cleanly and stays moist

What It Tastes Like

Buttery and lightly sweet with bursts of fruity chew, gentle spice, and a fresh orange finish. Every bite feels balanced and comforting.

When to Serve It

• Afternoon tea or coffee
• Holiday gatherings
• Breakfast slices
• Homemade food gifts

Full Ingredient List (Complete & Detailed)

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Cake Batter

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Fruits & Nuts

• 1 cup (150 g) mixed dried fruits
  (raisins, sultanas, cranberries, cherries)
• ½ cup (80 g) chopped nuts
  (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for coating fruits)

Optional (For Extra Depth)

• 2 tablespoons rum or brandy, for soaking fruits

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper

Substitutions & Variations

• Use mixed spice instead of individual spices
• Swap orange juice for apple juice
• Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar
• Skip alcohol and soak fruits in orange juice

How to Make Fluffy Fruit Loaf Cake

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1. Prep the Fruits

If using rum or brandy, soak dried fruits for 30 minutes. Drain well and toss with 2 tablespoons flour.

2. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line and grease a loaf pan.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar

Beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

4. Add Eggs

Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

5. Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices together.

6. Combine

Add dry ingredients to batter alternately with orange juice. Stir in vanilla and zest.

7. Fold In Fruits & Nuts

Gently fold in coated fruits and nuts.

8. Bake

Pour batter into pan and bake 55–65 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.

9. Cool

Cool 15 minutes in pan, then transfer to a rack.

What to Serve with Fluffy Fruit Loaf Cake

• Salted butter
• Orange marmalade
• Cream cheese
• Hot tea, coffee, or spiced latte

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Coat fruits to prevent sinking
• Use room-temperature ingredients
• Tent with foil if browning too quickly
• Let loaf cool fully before slicing

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: 3 days (wrapped)
• Refrigerator: Up to 6 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (slice before freezing)

General Information

Fruit loaves have long been a staple of home baking—less dense than traditional fruitcake, more welcoming, and meant to be shared casually. This version keeps things light while honoring those classic flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this like traditional fruitcake?
No—this is much lighter and softer.

Can I make it alcohol-free?
Absolutely! It’s delicious without.

Why did my fruit sink?
Be sure to coat fruits well in flour.

Conclusion

This Fluffy Fruit Loaf Cake is everything I love about comforting baking—simple, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of loaf that quietly disappears slice by slice, always leaving someone asking for the recipe.

You may also love:

• https://poulef.com/eggnog-fruit-bread/
• https://poulef.com/apple-oatmeal-cake/
• https://poulef.com/grandmas-honey-spice-muffins/
• https://poulef.com/banana-chocolate-chip-cake/
• https://poulef.com/lemon-blueberry-pound-cake/

Interactive Corner

Baked it?
Leave a review or share your loaf on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Approx. per slice)

Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein
~320 kcal	38 g	18 g	5 g

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