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Christmas Apricot and Walnut Fruitcake: A Festive Twist on a Classic

Christmas Apricot and Walnut Fruitcake: A Festive Twist on a Classic
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Christmas Apricot and Walnut Fruitcake is a delightful holiday treat that beautifully combines sweet apricots and crunchy walnuts with warm spices and a hint of citrus. This moist, flavorful cake not only stands out on your festive table but also makes for an excellent gift. As it ages, the flavors deepen, allowing you to prepare it ahead of time for stress-free entertaining. Whether you’re celebrating with family or friends, this fruitcake is sure to bring joy to any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups dried apricots, chopped
  • 1 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup golden raisins
  • ½ cup dark vanilla extract (alcohol-free) or apple juice
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup chopped crystallized ginger (optional)
  • ¼ cup apricot jam
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  3. In a bowl, mix chopped apricots, walnuts, cranberries, raisins, dark vanilla extract (or apple juice), orange juice, and orange zest.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  5. Cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture until just combined; then fold in the fruit mixture.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack; glaze with warm apricot jam mixed with water.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://goldenrecipetime.com/christmas-apricot-and-walnut-fruitcake-a-festive-twist-on-a-classic/