Recipe for Fruit and Nut Loaf Cake

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, cranberries, apricots, chopped)
  • 1/2 cup mixed nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, chopped)
• For the Topping:
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine with Dry Ingredients:
   • Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the sour cream or yogurt, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Add Fruits and Nuts:
   • Fold in the dried fruits and nuts.
6. Pour into the Pan and Top with Almonds:
   • Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.
   • Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
7. Bake:
   • Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool:
   • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve:
   • Slice and serve the cake as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of custard.

This cake is perfect for enjoying with tea or coffee and makes a great treat for festive occasions or simply as a delicious snack. The combination of fruits and nuts provides a wonderful texture and flavor that complements the soft, moist cake. Enjoy your baking!