Bursting with naturally sweet dried fruits and crunchy nuts, this moist and wholesome cake is a perfect companion to tea or coffee.

– 1½ cups dried apricots, chopped

– 1 cup raisins or sultanas

– 1 cup chopped dates or figs

– ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– ½ cup whole wheat flour

– 1 tsp baking soda

– 1 tsp cinnamon

– ½ tsp nutmeg

– ¼ tsp salt

– ½ cup sugar (brown or white)

– 2 large eggs

– ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– ½ cup orange juice or water

– Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare an 8-inch round cake pan.

– Mix chopped apricots, raisins, and dates with orange juice and let sit for 15 minutes.

– In a bowl, combine flours, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

– In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar until smooth.

– Combine wet and dry ingredients. Fold in fruits (with liquid) and nuts.

– Pour into pan and bake for 50–60 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Best enjoyed slightly warm; customize with your favorite nuts or dried fruits.

Keywords: fruit cake, nut cake, tea cake, dried fruit dessert, wholesome cake