Save to Pinterest A moist, tender loaf cake packed with festive dried fruits and nuts, finished with a sweet citrus glaze—perfect for gifting or holiday gatherings.
I love baking this fruit loaf during the holidays; it fills the house with warm, inviting aromas and always delights family and friends.
Ingredients
- Dried Fruits & Nuts: 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped apricots, or cranberries), 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, room temperature, 1/3 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, zest of 1 orange
- Dry Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl, toss dried fruits and nuts with 1 tablespoon of the flour to prevent sinking set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Step 4:
- Beat in eggs one at a time then add milk vanilla extract and orange zest. Mix until smooth.
- Step 5:
- In a separate bowl whisk together the remaining flour baking powder baking soda cinnamon nutmeg and salt.
- Step 6:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture mixing until just combined.
- Step 7:
- Fold in the dried fruits and nuts.
- Step 8:
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Step 9:
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 10:
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 11:
- For the glaze whisk powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over cooled loaf. Allow glaze to set before slicing or wrapping for gifting.
Save to Pinterest Baking this cake always brings my family together around the kitchen table sharing stories and laughter over a warm slice.
Required Tools
9x5-inch loaf pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups and spoons, cooling rack, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs Milk (dairy) Tree nuts (if using). May contain gluten (from flour). Always check labels of dried fruits and nuts for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories 260 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 40 g Protein 3 g per slice (10 slices per loaf)
Save to Pinterest This festive fruit loaf is perfect for holiday gifting and sharing memorable moments with loved ones.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What dried fruits work best in this loaf?
Mixed dried fruits like raisins, currants, chopped apricots, cranberries, cherries, golden raisins, or dates all complement the flavors well.
- → Can I substitute nuts for seeds?
Yes, swapping nuts with seeds is a great nut-free alternative that maintains a satisfying texture.
- → How do I prevent the dried fruits from sinking?
Toss the dried fruits and nuts with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter to help keep them evenly distributed.
- → What is the best way to store the loaf?
Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in parchment paper and foil. It will keep fresh for up to five days at room temperature.
- → How is the citrus glaze made?
The glaze is made by whisking powdered sugar with freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth and pourable, then drizzled over the cooled loaf.