Description
A delightful and comforting holiday classic, this fruit cake is renowned for its moist crumb and aromatic blend of spices. By soaking dried fruits in orange juice and warming them with brown sugar and butter, we achieve a superior texture that is both tender and flavorful. Perfect for the holiday season, this one-bowl recipe is easy to assemble, family-friendly, and completely free of alcohol and pork products. Enjoy a slice of tradition that is never dry or cloying, but perfectly balanced for every special occasion.
Ingredients
3 cups dried mixed fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup orange juice
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
2 tsp warm spices (cinnamon, ginger, cloves)
1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
Combine dried mixed fruit, brown sugar, butter, and orange juice in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Simmer for five minutes until butter melts and fruit softens.
Remove from heat and allow to cool completely for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9-inch loaf pan.
Whisk eggs in a small bowl and stir into the cooled fruit mixture.
Fold in the flour, baking powder, and spices until a thick batter forms.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
Bake for 90 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for best flavor development. You can customize the fruit blend by adding dried cherries, apricots, or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 90
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Classic Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg