- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons orange juice (or rum for a boozy twist)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soak the Fruits
- In a medium bowl, combine the dried fruits, chopped nuts, and orange juice (or chosen liquid). Stir well to coat the fruits evenly.
- Cover the bowl and let the mixture soak for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Prepare the Batter
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and orange zest (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the yogurt (or sour cream). Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fold in the soaked fruit and nut mixture until evenly distributed.
4. Bake the Cake
- Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15–20 minutes of baking.
5. Cool and Glaze
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice (or rum) to create a simple glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for added sweetness and shine.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the cake and serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
- Enjoy every bite of this rich, moist, and indulgent Heavenly Moist Fruit Cake!
- Perfect as a standalone dessert, paired with tea or coffee, or gifted to friends and family.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality dried fruits and nuts make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
- Soak Longer for Extra Flavor: Soaking the fruits overnight allows them to plump up and absorb more flavor.
- Switch Fruits and Nuts: Substitute dried fruits and nuts with your favorites for variety.
- Store Properly: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the fridge for 2 weeks, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Why This Recipe Works
This Heavenly Moist Fruit Cake combines the richness of dried fruits and nuts with the warmth of spices and the tenderness of a well-moistened batter into a dessert that’s both satisfying and indulgent. The soaking process ensures the fruits are plump and flavorful, while the dense batter holds everything together beautifully. Whether served as a standalone treat or customized with your favorite mix-ins, this recipe delivers big on taste and simplicity without requiring advanced baking skills.
Conclusion: A Treat Everyone Will Love
Whether you’re craving something rich and festive, looking for a way to elevate your holiday desserts, or simply want to enjoy a homemade treat, this Heavenly Moist Fruit Cake is sure to delight. Its bold flavors, satisfying textures, and customizable options make it a standout recipe that’s as practical as it is delicious. Plus, its versatility means you can tailor it to suit any occasion.
We’d love to see your creations! Tag us in your photos or share your favorite variations—your take on this fruitcake might just inspire others to try it too! 🍴✨