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Perfect Festive Christmas Loaf

A moist holiday loaf packed with dried fruit, warm spices, and citrus zest, perfect for Christmas baking and festive gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Christmas Loaf Batter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp cloves
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.5 cup raisins
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Loaf pan
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. Beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and orange zest.
  5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the batter alternating with milk.
  6. Fold in dried cranberries, raisins, and walnuts.
  7. Pour batter into loaf pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool for 15 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Add an orange glaze or powdered sugar dusting for a festive presentation.