Embrace the warmth and magic of the season with our Spiced Orange Fruitcake, a delightful twist on a classic holiday treat. This moist and fragrant cake, infused with the zesty notes of fresh oranges combined with the comforting spices of cinnamon and cloves, is sure to become a family favorite. Gather around the kitchen with loved ones and create lasting memories as you bake this aromatic masterpiece, perfect for sharing and celebrating togetherness.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 10-12 slices
Skill Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger).
- In another bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the dried fruits and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Allow the fruitcake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Helpful Tips
For a moister fruitcake, soak your dried fruits in orange juice or your favorite liqueur overnight before adding them to the batter. Feel free to experiment with the dried fruits and nuts you have on hand for a personalized touch.
Storage Instructions
Store the spiced orange fruitcake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap the cooled fruitcake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months.
Pairings
Pair this Spiced Orange Fruitcake with a steaming cup of spiced chai tea or a glass of mulled wine to enhance the warm, festive flavors. For a savory contrast, serve with a cheese platter featuring sharp cheddar and brie.
We hope you enjoy baking and savoring this Spiced Orange Fruitcake as much as we do! Share your delightful creations with us using #ZynahzRecipes or tag Zynahz on Instagram. We can’t wait to see your masterpieces!
Don’t forget to leave your feedback on our website, Zynahz, and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes. Follow Zynahz on social media for daily inspirations and tips. Happy baking!
