Description
A vibrant and modern rebellion against the traditional fruitcake, this orange-infused loaf is light, buttery, and packed with sun-drenched golden raisins and sweet glacé cherries. It offers a sophisticated balance of citrus zest and rich crumb, making it the perfect centerpiece for any holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for coating fruit)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1 cup glacé cherries, halved
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth, stable emulsion.
- Stir in the fresh orange juice, mixing until the liquid is fully incorporated into the batter.
- Sift the flour and baking powder together; remove 1/3 cup of this mixture and toss it with the golden raisins and halved cherries to coat them.
- Gently stir the remaining flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
- Fold in the flour-coated fruit until evenly distributed, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap to let the flavors develop.
Notes
To ensure the fruit stays perfectly suspended and does not sink, make sure the batter is thick and the fruit is thoroughly dredged in the flour mixture. For a deeper flavor profile, store the wrapped cake in a cool, dry place for two days before slicing, which allows the citrus oils to fully permeate the crumb.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American