Ingredients
Dried Fruit:
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, golden raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots, chopped dates, etc.)
- ½ cup chopped candied peel (optional)
- ¼ cup brandy, rum, or orange juice (for soaking)
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon mixed spice
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional)
Wet:
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon honey
Dry:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Glaze (optional):
- 2 tablespoons apricot jam or honey
- 1 tablespoon hot water
Instructions
- Soak Fruit: Combine your choice of dried fruits (and candied peel if you like) with brandy, rum, or orange juice. Let soak for at least 30 minutes or overnight for richer flavor.
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Simmer: Combine water, butter, and brown sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whisk Eggs and Honey: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and honey.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour the cooled butter mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, spices, and salt.
- Assemble Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined (don’t overmix). Drain the soaked fruit and gently fold it into the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Glaze (optional): While the loaf is still warm, melt the apricot jam or honey with hot water and brush it over the top for a glossy finish.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy sliced and toasted with butter!
Tips:
- Customization: Adjust the spices and dried fruits for your own flavor combination.
- No-Soak Method: If short on time, you can skip soaking the fruit, although this will yield a less intensely flavored loaf.
- Storage: The spiced fruit loaf keeps well at room temperature for a few days or can be frozen for later enjoyment.
