Ultimate Fruit Cake Loaf

Ultimate Fruit Cake Loaf

Ingredients

 • All-purpose flour – 2 cups (250g)

 • Baking powder – 1½ tsp

 • Salt – ¼ tsp

 • Unsalted butter – ½ cup (120g), softened

 • Brown sugar – 1 cup (200g)

 • Eggs – 3 large

 • Milk – ½ cup (120ml)

 • Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

 • Mixed spice or cinnamon – 1 tsp

 • Zest of 1 orange or lemon

 • Mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, cherries, currants, candied peel) – 1½ cups (200g)

 • Rum or orange juice (for soaking fruits) – 3 tbsp

Instructions

Soak the mixed fruits in rum or orange juice for at least 1 hour or overnight to enhance the flavor and moisture.

Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and mixed spice. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and orange zest.

Add the dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing until smooth and creamy. Fold in the soaked fruits gently until evenly distributed. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For extra flavor, brush the warm loaf with a little rum or orange juice. Wrap and store for a day before serving to let the flavors develop beautifully.

Soft, moist, and bursting with fruit and spice — this loaf gets even better with time!