Ultimate Fruit Cake Loaf

Description

This Ultimate Fruit Cake Loaf is soft, moist, and packed with juicy dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and warm spices in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or as a homemade gift, this classic loaf stays wonderfully tender for days. Enjoy it plain, toasted with a little butter, or alongside your favorite hot beverage.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• ¼ cup milk

Fruit & Nuts

• 1½ cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants, chopped dried apricots, cranberries)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 2 tablespoons candied orange peel (optional)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Mix in the Greek yogurt and milk until smooth.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
7. Fold in the dried fruit, nuts, orange peel, and orange zest.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Slice and enjoy!

Weight Watchers Points (Estimated)

Per slice (1 of 10):

• 7–9 WW Points

To Reduce the Points

• Replace butter with light butter or unsweetened applesauce.
• Use a calorie-free baking sweetener instead of brown sugar.
• Reduce the amount of dried fruit slightly and omit the nuts.
• Use nonfat Greek yogurt.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Slice)

Pro Tips

• Soak the dried fruit in warm orange juice or brewed tea for 20–30 minutes before baking for an extra moist loaf.
• Toss the dried fruit with 1 tablespoon of flour to help prevent it from sinking.
• Cover the loaf loosely with foil during the last 15–20 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, refrigerate for 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.