โจ Introduction
This festive loaf cake ๐ฐ is packed with dried fruits ๐ and warm spices, perfect for gifting or enjoying with tea. Moist, flavorful, and easy to bake in batches! ๐
๐ง Ingredients
- ๐ 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, cherries)
- ๐ฅ ยฝ cup milk or orange juice
- ๐ง ยฝ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ๐ฌ ยพ cup brown sugar
- ๐ฅ 2 large eggs
- ๐ฅ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ๐ 1ยฝ cups all-purpose flour
- ๐ง 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ๐ง ยฝ teaspoon cinnamon
- ๐ง Pinch of salt
๐ฉโ๐ณ Instructions
- ๐ฅ Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease 4 mini loaf pans or 1 large loaf pan.
- ๐ Soak dried fruits in milk or juice for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- ๐ฅฃ Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- ๐ In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- ๐ Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Fold in soaked fruits.
- ๐ฅ Divide batter evenly into pans. Smooth tops.
- ๐ Bake for 30โ35 minutes (mini loaves) or 50โ60 minutes (large loaf) until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- ๐ฌ๏ธ Cool completely before slicing or wrapping for gifts.
๐ Methods
- Use nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture ๐ฐ๐ซ.
- Swap orange juice for rum or brandy for a boozy version ๐น.
- Top with glaze or powdered sugar for decoration ๐ฅ.
- Make muffins instead of loaves ๐ง.
๐ History
Fruit cakes have been enjoyed for centuries, especially during holidays ๐. This loaf version is a modern, easy-to-share twist on the classic.
๐ช Benefits
- ๐ Dried fruits offer fiber and antioxidants
- ๐ Flour provides energy
- ๐ฅ Eggs add protein
- ๐ง Butter gives richness and flavor
๐จ Formation
Wrap cooled loaves in parchment and ribbon for gifting ๐. Serve slices with tea โ or coffee for a cozy treat.
โ Conclusion
Holiday Fruit Loaf Cake is festive, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Bake a batch and spread the joy! ๐ฐโจ
โค๏ธ Lovers
- ๐ Gift givers
- ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Families
- ๐งโ๐ณ Home bakers
- ๐ Fruit lovers
- ๐ Holiday hosts