Rich & Fruity Pound Cake

Introduction

Few desserts embody comfort and crowd-pleasing appeal quite like a classic pound cake, but when you pack it with succulent dried fruit and a hint of citrus zest, you get a Rich & Fruity Pound Cake that shines both in flavor and texture. This beloved bake is simple enough for everyday enjoyment yet impressive enough for festive occasions—each slice offers a buttery crumb punctuated with bursts of sweet, tangy fruit.

Why This Rich & Fruity Pound Cake Stands Out

What makes this pound cake unique is the medley of fruits—think plump raisins, tart dried cranberries, candied citrus peel, and even apricots. Their flavor infuses the moist cake, and the jewel-like pieces add appealing color throughout each slice. It’s a longtime favorite for dessert tables and weekend brunches, with a flavor profile that pleases both traditionalists and adventurous eaters.

Getting the Fruit Ready for the Best Texture

For maximum moisture and distribution, soak your dried fruits in a splash of orange juice or warm water before baking. This simple step rehydrates them, plumping each piece so the cake slices easily and stays tender over several days. After soaking, pat dry and toss with a little flour to prevent fruits from sinking to the bottom—a pro baker tip for perfect results.

How to Mix and Bake the Rich & Fruity Pound Cake

Creaming the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy is key. Use room temperature ingredients and beat thoroughly to incorporate air, ensuring a light, even crumb. Fold in eggs one at a time, add your fragrant vanilla and zesty lemon or orange, then gently mix the flour and soaked fruits. Bake until golden and fragrant—testing with a skewer for doneness.

Beautiful Serving Suggestions for Your Pound Cake

This Rich & Fruity Pound Cake stands beautifully on its own or can be lightly dusted with powdered sugar. For special occasions, drizzle with a simple citrus glaze or garnish with fresh fruit. Serve alongside tea, coffee, or as a delightful addition to a brunch spread—the possibilities are endless, making it a versatile centerpiece for any gathering.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 12 hearty slices. Each serving contains around 320 calories, depending on the blend of fruits and any glazes or toppings. Though buttery, it’s packed with the natural sweetness of dried fruit—an indulgence to savor in moderation.

Rich & Fruity Pound Cake (Recap)

Experience the best of both tradition and tang with this pound cake. Buttery, moist, and loaded with fruit, it’s a satisfying treat that works for everything from cozy afternoons to festive feasts.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list—with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Place dried fruits in a bowl and cover with orange juice. Let soak for at least 15 minutes. Drain, pat dry, then toss with 2 tablespoons flour to coat.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes). Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla and citrus zest.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the soaked fruits and optional nuts.
6. Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil during the last 20 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
8. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with citrus glaze before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Rich & Fruity Pound Cake is ideal for weekly meal prep and planning—it’s sturdy, keeps well, and can be pre-sliced for quick snacks or desserts. Save and schedule this recipe to plan when to bake and generate smart shopping lists that consolidate all your weekly ingredients.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient needs across recipes
• Keeps shopping lists organized by grocery section
• Prevents duplicate purchases or forgotten items
• Keeps your weekly meal prep on track and stress-free

Pro tip: When using CookifyAI to plan for the week, you’ll see overlaps in ingredients—like butter or eggs—across all your recipes, giving you a precise shopping list and helping reduce food waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (includes fruit soaking)