Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries, apricots, cranberries)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (or orange juice for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange or lemon
Instructions
- Prepare Pan – Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a loaf or round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar – Beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Add Flavor – Mix in vanilla and orange zest.
- Combine – Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with milk (or orange juice). Stir until smooth.
- Fold in Fruits & Nuts – Toss dried fruits and nuts with 1 tbsp flour, then fold into the batter.
- Bake – Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve – Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!
Would you like me to also give you a Christmas-style version of this fruit cake (soaked with rum or brandy)?