Description
This Christmas Sweet Loaf is a delightful holiday treat packed with dried fruits and infused with warm vanilla flavors. Perfect as a festive breakfast or a sweet snack during the holiday season, this moist loaf combines simple ingredients into a comforting baked good that spreads holiday happiness with every slice.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the sweet loaf evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs: Crack in the eggs and mix thoroughly to incorporate them fully into the butter-sugar blend, ensuring an even batter.
- Combine Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract to the wet mixture, adding moisture and enhancing the flavor profile of the loaf.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening agent and seasoning evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the loaf dense.
- Fold in Dried Fruit: Carefully fold the raisins and cranberries into the batter, spreading them evenly without crushing.
- Prepare Pan and Pour Batter: Grease a loaf pan adequately to prevent sticking, then pour the batter in, smoothing the top for uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the loaf is ready.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing to maintain its shape and moisture.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, soak the dried fruits in warm rum or orange juice overnight.
- You can substitute dried cranberries with mixed dried fruits like apricots, cherries, or currants.
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Use a toothpick test to avoid underbaking which can make the loaf soggy inside.
- Store the loaf in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
