Description
Holiday Spiced Fruitcake Loaf is a moist, warmly spiced quick bread filled with dried fruits and nuts, then topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. A modern take on the classic holiday fruitcake, it’s perfect for festive gatherings and edible gifts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as cranberries, raisins, cherries, chopped apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in dried fruits and chopped nuts.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, prepare the frosting: beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the loaf is fully cooled, spread cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with extra dried fruit or nuts if desired.
Notes
- Chop larger dried fruits to ensure even distribution throughout the loaf.
- Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- This loaf can be made a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg