Festive Nut and Fruit Tangerine Cake (Moist Christmas Loaf with Dried Fruits & Nuts)
If you’re looking for a comforting, aromatic holiday treat, this Festive Nut and Fruit Tangerine Cake is the perfect Christmas bake. Moist, packed with nuts and dried fruits, scented with fresh tangerine zest, and soft enough for toddlers (with modifications), it’s a beautiful blend of holiday warmth and natural sweetness.
Equipment
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Fine grater/zester for fresh tangerine zest
- Rubber spatula
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper
- Kitchen scale
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon – optional
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
- ¼ cup tangerine juice
- Zest from 1–2 tangerines
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
- 1 cup dried fruits (raisins, dried cranberries, chopped apricots, figs, or dates)
- Optional toddler-friendly softeners: soak dried fruit in warm water or juice for 10 minutes
- Optional: 2 tbsp candied orange peel or ginger for adults
Instructions
- Chop nuts into small, toddler-friendly pieces.
- If using dried fruits, soak them in warm water or tangerine juice for 10 minutes to soften.
- Drain and pat dry.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Set aside.
- Beat butter and honey/maple syrup until light and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in yogurt, tangerine juice, tangerine zest, and vanilla.
- Fold in optional veggie puree here.
- Add dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently until combined.
- Fold in nuts and dried fruits using a spatula.
- Do not overmix.
- Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Pour in the batter and smooth the top.
- Bake 45–55 minutes, until the center springs back when lightly pressed.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing — fruit cakes firm as they rest.
Notes
Please note: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using an online nutrition calculator.