A fruit cake is more than just a dessert — it's a celebration on a plate. This particular version is soft, buttery, moist, and generously packed with colorful dried fruits, berries, and nuts. But what makes it truly irresistible is the glossy fruit glaze poured on top, transforming a simple loaf into a bakery-style masterpiece. If you're looking for a show-stopping cake that is both easy to prepare and impressive to serve, this recipe has everything you need.

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🍰 Ingredients

For the Cake Batter

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (200 g) sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 cup mixed dried fruits (apricots, cranberries, grapes, cherries)

• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional: almonds, walnuts, pistachios)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• ½ cup orange juice or milk

For the Fruit Topping

• 1 cup mixed fresh fruits (blackberries, cherries, raspberries, diced apricots, kiwi)

• 2 tbsp honey or simple syrup

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp milk or orange juice

• ½ tsp vanilla

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

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1. Prepare the Fruit and Baking Pan

Start by chopping your dried fruits into small, even pieces so they distribute nicely in the batter. Toss them lightly in 1 tablespoon of flour — this ensures they don't sink to the bottom of the cake.

Grease a loaf pan generously with butter and line it with parchment paper. This will help lift the cake out easily without breaking.

Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) .

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2. Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is what gives your cake that beautiful soft texture.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add half the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Stir gently. Then pour in half the orange juice. Repeat again with the remaining flour and liquid until a smooth batter forms.

Fold in the floured dried fruits and nuts using a spatula. The batter should be thick but spoonable.

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3. Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 55–70 minutes , depending on your oven. Insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or slightly moist (not wet).

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Always allow it to cool completely before glazing or slicing; this keeps the loaf moist and prevents crumbling.

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4. Prepare the Glaze

In a mixing bowl, whisk powdered sugar with milk or orange juice until smooth and slightly thick. You want a drippy glaze that will hug the cake but not completely soak it.

Drizzle generously over the cooled cake, allowing the glaze to run down the sides beautifully, just like in the picture.

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5. Prepare the Fresh Fruit Topping

In a bowl, combine the chopped fresh fruits with honey (or syrup) and lemon juice. The honey adds sheen, and the lemon keeps the fruits bright and fresh.

Spoon the fruit mixture over the top of your glazed cake. Press lightly so the fruits adhere to the glaze.

The combination of jewel-like berries and soft glaze creates a stunning dessert that looks straight from a professional bakery.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Slice thick pieces and serve with:

• Hot tea or coffee

• Vanilla ice cream

• Whipped cream

• A warm caramel drizzle

The cake is even better the next day as the flavors deepen and the fruits soften into the loaf.

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🌟 Final Thought

This fruit cake isn’t just a dessert — it’s a celebration of color, texture, and flavor. Every bite brings something different: a burst of berry, the sweetness of apricot, the richness of caramelized glaze, and the comforting softness of the cake itself. Whether you bake it for a holiday, a party, or simply to treat yourself, this cake never fails to impress. Take your time with each step, enjoy the process, and watch how simple ingredients transform into something unforgettable.

Bon appétit! 🍰✨