Easy Christmas Loaf Cake: Simple Spiced Holiday Bake (Print Version)
Bake an easy Christmas loaf cake! This simple spiced fruit loaf is perfect for festive gatherings and cozy family moments. So delicious!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 65 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: European
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ For the Spiced Loaf Base
01 -
2 cups (240g) All-Purpose Flour
02 -
1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar
03 -
1/2 cup (113g) Unsalted Butter, softened
04 -
2 Large Eggs, room temperature
05 -
1/2 cup (120ml) Milk, full-fat
06 -
1 1/2 cups (225g) Mixed Dried Fruit (raisins, currants, candied peel)
07 -
1 tbsp Orange Zest
→ Spices & Flavor Boosters
08 -
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
09 -
1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
10 -
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
11 -
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
→ For the Simple Glaze
12 -
1 cup (120g) Powdered Sugar
13 -
2-3 tbsp Orange Juice
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your loaf pan ready! I always grease and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides. It makes lifting the finished loaf out so much easier, trust me. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This slower bake helps the cake cook evenly without drying out. I remember one time I forgot the parchment, and the loaf got stuck – what a nightmare!
02 -
In a large bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until it's light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which gives your <b>Easy Christmas Loaf Cake</b> a tender crumb. I usually beat it for about 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl a few times. Don't rush it; this is where the magic starts!
03 -
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in that lovely vanilla extract. The batter will look rich and glossy now. Honestly, this is where it starts smelling amazing! I always take a moment to just breathe in that sweet aroma. Don't worry if it looks a little curdled at first; it'll come together.
04 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour and all those wonderful spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves. Then, alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined; overmixing develops gluten and makes for a tough loaf, which we definitely don't want in our <b>Christmas Loaf Cake</b>.
05 -
Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit and fresh orange zest. This is where your loaf really starts to look like a festive treat! Be careful not to overmix here either. I always use a spatula for this part, making sure the fruit is evenly distributed without squishing it. It smells so good, like a little Christmas explosion!
06 -
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it! Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. That cooling time is important, don't rush it!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overmix the batter; a light hand keeps the loaf tender.
02 -
This loaf cake actually tastes better the next day, so it's a great make-ahead treat.
03 -
No mixed peel? Honestly, just use extra raisins and a bit more orange zest, it'll still be delicious.
04 -
A dusting of powdered sugar makes it look fancy without any fuss.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Loaf pan (8.5x4.5 inch or 9x5 inch)
02 -
mixing bowls
03 -
electric mixer (handheld or stand)
04 -
whisk
05 -
spatula
06 -
wire rack.
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 Calories
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 5g