This Butter Fruit and Nut Loaf Cake is a rich and flavorful treat, perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy butter, sweet dried fruits, and crunchy nuts creates a delightful texture and taste. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this loaf cake is a crowd-pleaser for tea time or as a dessert.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- Butter: 130g (½ cup + 1 tablespoon)
- Sugar: 100g (½ cup)
- Eggs: 3
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Almond essence (optional): ½ teaspoon
- Plain flour: 200g (1⅓ cups)
- Baking powder: 1¼ teaspoons
- Dried fruit and nuts: 150g (about 1 cup)
Measuring cup size: 240ml
Equipment
- Baking pan: 21x11x6 cm
Directions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a mixing bowl, cream together 130g of butter and 100g of sugar. Whisk for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking at high speed after each addition. Ensure each egg is well incorporated before adding the next.
- Add Flavors
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon of almond essence (optional) until fully combined.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
- Sift 200g of plain flour and 1¼ teaspoons of baking powder into a separate bowl.
- Add half the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and gently fold it in with a spatula.
- Add the remaining dry mixture and whisk for about 15 seconds, just until combined.
- Fold in the Dried Fruits and Nuts
- Gently fold 150g of dried fruits and nuts into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Baking Pan
- Grease a 21x11x6 cm baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F).
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve as a delightful snack or dessert.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Enjoy alongside a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Use a mix of dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots for varied flavor.
- Chop larger nuts and dried fruits into smaller pieces for even distribution.
Nutritional Benefits
- Butter: Provides richness and flavor.
- Dried Fruits: High in fiber and natural sugars.
- Nuts: Add protein and healthy fats.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-friendly.
- Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with pantry staples.
- Perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
- Versatile for any occasion or meal.
- Great way to use up dried fruits and nuts.
Conclusion
This Butter Fruit and Nut Loaf Cake is a timeless classic that combines the best of textures and flavors in a simple yet delicious treat. It’s the perfect recipe to share with family and friends or to enjoy as a comforting solo indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use salted butter? Yes, but reduce the salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering flavors.
- Can I substitute almond essence? Omit or replace with another flavor extract like orange or lemon.
- What nuts work best? Almonds, walnuts, and pecans are excellent choices.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for plain flour.
- How do I prevent dried fruits from sinking? Toss them in a little flour before folding into the batter.
- Can I use a different pan size? Adjust baking time for larger or smaller pans.
- Is it okay to use fresh fruits? Fresh fruits may release moisture and affect texture; dried fruits are recommended.
- How do I make this dairy-free? Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Can I add spices? Yes, cinnamon or nutmeg complements this recipe well.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly baked feel.