Fruit Pound Cake Recipe
This Fruit Pound Cake Recipe features a moist, buttery base enriched with cream cheese and yogurt for softness. Packed with cranberry soaked dried fruits, candied cherries, citrus zest, and walnuts, it delivers a flavorful, textured bite. Baking at a low temperature ensures even cooking and a tender crumb. Ideal for festive occasions, this cake offers a delightful twist on a traditional fruitcake.
Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (large & medium)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Microplane or zester
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan (for soaking fruit)
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups chopped mixed dried fruits e.g., dates, apricots, pineapple, cranberries
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter softened
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract optional, for enhanced flavor
- ½ cup plain yogurt or sour cream for added moisture
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange
- 1 cup cranberry juice for soaking dried fruit
- 1½ cups red and green candied cherries halved
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 package cream cheese softened
- 1½ cups mixed candied fruit chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Soak The Dried Fruits
- Chop your dried fruits and place them in a small saucepan with cranberry juice. Let them simmer gently for about 5 to 7 minutes, just until the fruit softens and plumps up. Once done, drain off any leftover juice and set the fruit aside to cool.
Step 2: Prep The Pan And Heat The Oven
- Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) and let it preheat. Meanwhile, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or you can line it with parchment paper if you prefer less mess.
Step 3: Mix The Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this bowl aside for now.
Step 4: Cream The Butter, Cream Cheese, And Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 5: Add Eggs And Flavorings
- Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one. Then stir in the vanilla, almond extract (if you’re using it), and some lemon or orange zest for extra flavour.
Step 6: Add The Yogurt
- Mix in the yogurt (or sour cream) until it’s fully blended into the batter.
Step 7: Combine Wet And Dry
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture a bit at a time, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to over mix it can make the cake dense.
Step 8: Fold In The Fruits And Nuts
- Gently stir in the cooled, soaked dried fruits along with the candied cherries, mixed fruit, and chopped walnuts.
Step 9: Bake
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool And Finish
- Let the cake sit in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cooled, you can slice and serve. If you want, dust the top with powdered sugar or add a glaze for a finishing touch.