Classic Spiced Fruit & Nut Loaf
A light, moist loaf with warm spices, citrus aroma, and tender dried fruit

This Classic Spiced Fruit & Nut Loaf offers a softer, lighter alternative to traditional dense fruitcakes. A gently spiced batter, enriched with butter and citrus zest, surrounds plump dried fruits and nuts for balanced flavor and texture. It’s well suited for holidays, afternoon tea, or simple slicing and sharing.

Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes

Bake Time: 60–75 minutes

Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes

Yield: 1 large loaf

Ingredients
Fruit Mixture
1½ cups (240 g) mixed dried fruit
(raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, dates)

½ cup (80 g) glazed cherries, halved

2 tablespoons orange juice or rum

Dry Ingredients
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

1½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

Fried Crab and Spice Patties
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Batter
1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed

½ cup (100 g) white sugar

3 large eggs, room temperature

½ cup (120 ml) milk or buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon orange zest

½ cup (70 g) chopped walnuts or pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions