Heavenly Moist Fruitcake Loaf (Print Version)

Moist fruitcake filled with dried fruits, nuts, and a citrus aroma, perfect for festive gatherings.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 4 large eggs
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 - 1 cup mixed dried fruit, such as raisins, currants, chopped apricots
12 - 1/2 cup chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans
13 - 1/2 cup orange juice

# Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until blended.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
06 - Gently fold the mixed dried fruit and chopped nuts into the batter.
07 - Pour orange juice over the batter and gently stir until just combined.
08 - Spoon batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 70 to 80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
09 - Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

# Notes:

01 - For optimal texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.