Handwritten recipe card for A Cake That's Different
by: salvagedrecipes

Vintage Fruit and Nut Loaf Cake

A Cake That's Different
This uniquely spiced fruit-and-nut loaf cake earns its name from its unexpected combination of ingredients—dates, raisins, candied orange peel, and walnut pieces—blended into a moist batter steeped in boiling water. The soaking step enriches the fruit and melds flavors before folding into a cake batter that’s sweetened with brown sugar and spiced simply with vanilla. Often enjoyed with afternoon tea or as a cozy winter treat, it’s a charming twist on the classic nut bread or holiday loaf.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 330 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1½ cup walnut pieces (or mixed nuts)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1¼ cups flour
  • 1 cup chopped dates
  • ¼ cup seedless raisins
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup candied orange peel
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Step 1: Soak Fruits and Nuts

  • In a bowl, mix chopped dates, raisins, candied orange peel, and walnuts.
  • Pour 1 cup boiling water over the mixture.
  • Stir in baking soda. Cover and let stand until cool.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Mixture

  • In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs with brown sugar and white sugar until well combined.
  • Add melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Mix Batter

  • Add the cooled fruit-nut mixture to the egg-sugar mixture.
  • Gradually stir in flour until a thick batter forms.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

  • Pour the batter into a greased small loaf pan.
  • Bake at 350°F (moderate oven) for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

  • Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool completely on wire rack.
  • Slice and serve.

Tips

  • Add warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a holiday flavor.
  • Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds.
  • Substitute half the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots.
  • Add 1–2 tablespoons of molasses for deeper color and flavor.
  • Fold in chocolate chips for a sweeter, more modern twist.
  • Use orange zest instead of candied orange peel for a fresher citrus note.
  • Bake in mini loaf pans for edible gifts.
  • Top with a simple powdered sugar glaze once cooled.
  • Serve slightly warm with whipped cream for a cozy dessert.

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 2gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 230IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword family recipe, fruit cake, handwritten recipe, heirloom recipe, nut cake, old-fashioned dessert, retro baking, vintage
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