Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey or molasses
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped dates, dried cranberries)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- ¼ cup candied cherries (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a loaf pan or round cake tin with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the orange juice, honey (or molasses), vanilla extract, and orange zest.
- Combine: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Add Fruits & Nuts: Stir in the dried fruits, nuts, and candied cherries until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
If you’d like, I can help you write storage tips or ideas for decorating it too! Want that? 🎂✨