Description
This easy apricot and walnut fruitcake is a moist, tender loaf packed with chewy dried apricots, crunchy walnuts, and warm holiday spices. It offers a simplified take on the traditional fruitcake—no soaking or aging required—making it a perfect make-ahead treat for festive gatherings, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons orange juice or water
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the plain yogurt (or sour cream) and orange juice (or water) until the batter is smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until all flour is incorporated.
- Gently fold in the chopped dried apricots and walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- This cake can be made ahead of time and stored for several days.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract.
- Serve with tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Apricot Walnut Fruitcake, easy fruitcake recipe, holiday baking, dessert loaf