Homemade Christmas Fruit Cake Loaf

Homemade Christmas Fruit Cake Loaf Recipe 

Ingredients

 • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

 • 1 teaspoon baking powder

 • ½ teaspoon mixed spice (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg & cloves)

 • ¼ teaspoon salt

 • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened

 • 1 cup (200g) brown sugar

 • 4 large eggs (at room temperature)

 • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 • 2 tablespoons honey or molasses

 • ½ cup (120ml) orange juice or brandy

 • 2 cups (300g) mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, cherries, currants, chopped dates, etc.)

 • ¼ cup (30g) chopped nuts (optional)

 • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

Soak the dried fruits in orange juice (or brandy) for at least 1 hour — overnight gives deeper flavor.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and salt.

In another large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla, honey (or molasses), and orange zest.

Fold in the soaked fruits (with any remaining liquid). Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Add nuts if desired.

Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool completely in the pan before removing.