Description

A tender, moist butter cake filled with rich dried fruits and a warm hint of vanilla. This ultra-soft fruit cake is light, buttery, and perfect for any occasion, from tea time to festive holidays.

Ingredients

1¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup whole milk

1½ cups mixed dried fruits (e.g., raisins, chopped apricots, cranberries, cherries)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for coating fruits)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan or loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Toss the mixed dried fruits with 2 tablespoons of flour in a separate bowl to prevent sinking.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the floured dried fruits using a spatula.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Soak dried fruits in orange juice or spiced rum overnight for extra flavor.

Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.

Include a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist.

Add dark chocolate chips for a rich contrast to the fruit.

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months; thaw or microwave to reheat.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Western

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 360
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg