Homemade Fruit Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) wheat flour 🌾
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar 🍯
• 1/2 cup (115g) melted butter 🧈
• 2 eggs 🥚
• 1/2 cup (120ml) orange juice 🍊
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (alcohol-free) 🌿
• 1 tsp baking powder 🥄
• 1/2 tsp baking soda 🌿
• 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cherries, cranberries) 🍇
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, like walnuts or almonds) 🌰
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional) 🌿
• A pinch of salt 🧂

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients:
   In a large bowl, sift together the wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the brown sugar until light and creamy. Add the melted butter, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Add fruits and nuts:
   Fold in the dried fruits and nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool:
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve:
   Slice and serve your homemade fruit cake with tea or coffee. Enjoy!