Sweet Fruit Bread Perfect for the Holidays
A classic, moist, and flavorful fruitcake loaded with soaked dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. This traditional holiday dessert stays tender and rich for weeks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (plus soak time)
- Yield: 2 hours (plus soak time) 1x
Ingredients
2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, dates, cherries)
1/2 cup candied citrus peel
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temp
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange or lemon
1/4 cup rum, brandy, or orange juice (plus more for brushing)
Instructions
2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, dates, cherries)
1/2 cup candied citrus peel
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temp
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange or lemon
1/4 cup rum, brandy, or orange juice (plus more for brushing)
Notes
Brush every few days with rum or juice to keep moist. Flavor improves over time.