In the midst of the holiday season, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of fresh Christmas baking filling your home. Warm, spicy scents of cinnamon and nutmeg intermingle with the sweet tang of dried fruits to create a delightful atmosphere. Today, we bring you a timeless British Christmas classic: the Spiced Fruit Loaf. This festive treat is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea by a crackling fire, or wrapping up as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
**Spiced Fruit Loaf**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, currants, and chopped apricots)
– 1/2 cup candied mixed peel
– 1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice
– 1/4 cup brandy
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Zest of 1 orange
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the mixed dried fruits and candied mixed peel with the apple juice and brandy. Bring to a simmer over low heat and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the fruits to plump up. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and let cool completely. This step allows the fruits to soak up the flavors of the liquids.
2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Stir in the soaked dried fruits along with any remaining liquid, orange zest, and lemon zest. Mix until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle the top with toasted slivered almonds for added crunch and flavor.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
8. Allow the Spiced Fruit Loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into thick, hearty portions and serve with a dollop of clotted cream or enjoy as is with a steaming mug of tea.
These Spiced Fruit Loaves also make lovely gifts when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a festive ribbon. Their rich, warm flavors are sure to bring joy to those who receive them. So, this holiday season, embrace the tradition of baking and sharing with this delightful recipe that captures the essence of a British Christmas. Happy baking!
