Ultimate Fruit Cake Loaf

📘 Instructions

1. Prepare Fruit Mixture
   In a small pot, heat dried fruits, orange juice, and butter for 3–4 minutes until soft. Let cool.

2. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

4. Cream Butter & Sugar
   In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and beat well.

5. Add Milk & Vanilla
   Mix in milk and vanilla essence.

6. Combine Batter
   Add dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold gently. Add the cooled fruit mixture and mix until combined.

7. Bake
   Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cool & Serve
   Let the cake cool completely before slicing for best texture.

💡 Tips

• Soak the dry fruits overnight in juice for an extra moist loaf.

• Add nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch.

• Replace juice with rum for a classic holiday fruit cake flavor.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.