This Ultimate Fruit Cake Loaf is soft, aromatic, and filled with plump dried fruits soaked in rum or orange juice. A perfect holiday bake or year-round treat, it brings together the warm notes of spice, citrus zest, and a buttery crumb that gets even better with time. Serve it sliced with tea, or wrap it up for a beautiful edible gift!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice or ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange or lemon
- 1½ cups (200g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, cherries, currants, candied peel)
- 3 tablespoons rum or orange juice (for soaking the fruits)
