Fruit & Nut Loaf Cake (Moist and Flavorful)

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar

• ½ cup (100g) white sugar

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3 large eggs, at room temperature

• ½ cup (120ml) milk or buttermilk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp orange zest

• 1 ½ cups (240g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, or dates)

• ½ cup (80g) glazed cherries, halved

• ½ cup (70g) chopped nuts (optional)

• 2 tbsp orange juice or rum (for soaking fruits)

‍ Instructions

1. Soak the fruits

   • Place the dried fruits and cherries in orange juice or rum.

   • Soak for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better). Drain any excess liquid before using.

2. Prepare the pan

   • Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

   • Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F).

3. Mix the dry ingredients

   • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

4. Cream butter & sugar

   • In another bowl, beat butter with brown and white sugar until light and fluffy.

   • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

   • Stir in vanilla extract and orange zest.

5. Combine wet & dry

   • Add the dry ingredients alternately with milk (or buttermilk), mixing gently until just combined.

6. Fold in fruits & nuts

   • Gently stir in soaked fruits, cherries, and nuts.

7. Bake

   • Spoon batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

   • Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool & finish

   • Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

   • While warm, brush the top with warm orange juice or sugar syrup for extra flavor and moisture.

✅ Rich, moist, and packed with fruits
✅ Perfect for tea time or festive occasions
✅ Stays fresh for days