Description
This Heavenly Moist Fruit Cake Loaf is the perfect blend of buttery richness, tender crumb, and festive spice. Packed with juicy dried fruits soaked in orange juice or rum, this loaf stays moist for days and gets even better with time. Whether you’re serving it for Christmas, Sunday brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, this cake is pure comfort and joy in every slice.
Ingredients
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
1 cup (240 g) unsalted butter or margarine (softened)
4 large eggs
1½ cups (250 g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, cherries, etc.)
¼ cup (60 ml) orange juice or rum
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp mixed spice or cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
2. In a small bowl, soak the mixed dried fruits in orange juice or rum for at least 30 minutes to plump them up.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth and creamy.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, mixed spice, and nutmeg.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
7. Fold in the soaked dried fruits along with any remaining soaking liquid.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
• For an alcohol-free version, use orange juice instead of rum.
• Soak fruits overnight for deeper flavor.
• To keep your fruit cake loaf moist, wrap it tightly in foil once cooled and store in an airtight container.
• Pairs beautifully with vanilla whipped cream, coffee, or spiced tea!
• You can also add ½ cup chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 60