– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup orange juice
– 3 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots, etc.)
– 1 cup mixed nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, etc.)
– ¼ cup brandy or rum (optional)
Creating your Moist Christmas Fruit Bundt Cake is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together and set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Mix in Juices: Pour in the orange juice and mix until well combined.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
7. Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Carefully fold the mixed dried fruits and nuts into the batter.
8. Pour into Bundt Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, making sure to spread it out evenly.
9. Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the Cake: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Optional Glaze: If desired, drizzle a simple icing over the cooled cake made from powdered sugar and a tiny splash of orange juice.