Description
A moist and flavorful loaf cake packed with dried fruits and crunchy nuts, perfect for tea time or as a wholesome snack. This cake is lightly spiced and has a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries, chopped dates)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Do not overmix.
- Fold in dried fruits, nuts, and orange zest if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can soak dried fruits in orange juice or tea for extra moisture and flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg