Glazed Holiday Fruit Cake Loaf Recipe
🕒 Prep: 20 min | 🍳 Bake: 60 min | ⏱️ Total: 80 min
👥 Serves: 12 | 🔥 Calories: 340 kcal/slice
Why You'll LOVE This Glazed Holiday Fruit Cake Loaf Recipe ✨
- Christmas Showstopper: Jewel-toned fruits + buttery crumb = Instagram-worthy holiday centerpiece!
- NO Sinking Fruits: Pro flour coating = perfect fruit distribution every slice
- Diet-Friendly: Nut-Free, Make-Ahead (1 month!), Gift-Ready
Ingredients 📋
🍰 Cake Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk
🍒 Jewel Fruits (2 cups total)
- ½ cup golden raisins
- ½ cup red glacé cherries
- ½ cup dark raisins
- ½ cup currants
- 1 tbsp flour (to coat)
✨ Shiny Glaze
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
💎 Decoration
- Extra mixed fruits (golden raisins, cherries, currants)
💡 Pro Tip: Coat fruits with flour FIRST = ZERO sinking, PERFECT slices!
Instructions (5 Easy Steps) 📝
- 1. Prep Fruits: Toss 2 cups mixed dried fruits with 1 tbsp flour → Prevents sinking magic!
- 2. Cream Butter: Beat butter + sugar 3 min fluffy. Add eggs 1-by-1 + vanilla → Light batter base!
- 3. Combine: Whisk flour + baking powder + salt. Alternate with milk into batter → Never overmix!
- 4. Fold & Bake: Gently fold fruits. 325°F (163°C) 60-70 min → Toothpick clean = done!
- 5. Glaze & Decorate: Simmer glaze 2 min, pour warm, press fruits in pattern → Jewel crown ready!
⏰ Timing Hack: Prep glaze while cake bakes last 10 min – saves 5 minutes!
Pro Tips for PERFECT Results 🎓
- Fruit Coating: 1 tbsp flour = 100% sink-proof guarantee
- Don't Overmix: Just combined = tender crumb, not tough
- Storage: Room temp 1 week | Fridge 2 weeks | Freezer 1 month (wrap tight!)
- Gift Wrap: Cool completely, parchment + twine = bakery-style
Variations 🌱
- Vegan: Plant butter + flax eggs + almond milk
- Boozy: Soak fruits in rum 24h before
- Nutty: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts
- Mini: 3x6" pans = 30 min bake time
FAQ ❓
Can I make ahead?
Yes! Bake now, glaze tomorrow. Tastes better day 2!
Gluten-free?
Yes! 1:1 GF flour blend + 2 extra tbsp milk
Why fruits sink?
Flour coating fix! Toss BEFORE adding to batter
Nutrition (Per Slice) 🥗
Calories: 340 | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 48g | Fat: 15g
Nut-Free ✓ Holiday Classic ✓ Gift Ready ✓
Serve With 🍽️
- Hot Tea/Coffee – Classic holiday pairing
- Whipped Cream – Dollop on slice
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Warm cake + cold cream
Reader Reviews ⭐
"BEAUTIFUL! Everyone thought I bought it from bakery" – Emily, UK
"Best fruitcake EVER! No alcohol needed" – Sarah, USA
