Apricot and Walnut Christmas Cake

ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• salt 1/2 tsp
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs at room temperature
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 2 cups chopped dried apricots
• 2 cups of chopped walnuts
• 1 cup cherries, halved
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instruction

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a 9-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and mixing well after each addition.
5. Add chopped apricots, walnuts and cherries.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 2 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. While the cake is baking, prepare the brandy syrup. In a small saucepan, heat the brandy and vanilla extract over medium heat until the mixture just begins to boil. Remove from heat.
9. When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Next, use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake.
10. Pour the warm brandy syrup over the cake and let it soak.
11. Allow cake to cool completely in pan before removing and slicing.
12. Christmas Apricot Walnut Fruitcake is perfect for the holiday season, with a delicious mix of apricots, walnuts, and cherries. Enjoy!