Cherry Chocolate Chip Holiday Fruitcake Loaf

Chocolate Chip Cherry Fruitcake Loaf Recipe

Overview

This delightful Chocolate Chip Cherry Fruitcake Loaf recipe is a cherished creation perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet treat without the tangy bits found in traditional fruitcakes. Adapted from a Taste of Home magazine original, this version skips alcohol, making it kid-friendly while still delivering rich flavors from cherries, dates or raisins, pecans, and chocolate chips. It’s easy to prepare, requiring just over an hour in the oven, and can be enjoyed freshly baked.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 10 slices

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans (or substitute with your preferred nut)
• 1 cup raisins or sultanas
• 1 cup cherry halves, plus extra for garnish
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

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2. Mixing the Batter: In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.

3. Dry Ingredients: In another large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Combining Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until smooth and well incorporated.

5. Adding Mix-Ins: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, raisins or sultanas, 1 cup of cherry halves, and chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The batter will be thick, which is normal.

6. Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Arrange a row of cherry halves down the center of the batter, pressing them gently so they stick.

7. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center of the loaf—it should come out mostly clean with a few streaks of melted chocolate (not wet batter). Avoid overbaking to prevent the loaf from becoming too hard.

8. Cooling: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on the wire rack.

9. Storage: For optimal freshness, once cooled, slice the loaf and store it in a sealed plastic zip-top bag to maintain its moisture and texture.

Nutritional Information (per slice):

• Calories: 364.9 kcal
• Fat: 14.6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.2 g
• Cholesterol: 55.8 mg
• Sodium: 136.6 mg
• Carbohydrates: 57.9 g
  • Fiber: 3.7 g
  • Sugar: 39 g
• Protein: 5.9 g

Tips and Substitutions

• Nuts: If pecans aren’t available, substitute with finely chopped walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Fruits: Experiment with different dried fruits like chopped dates or cranberries for variations in texture and taste.
• Chocolate: For a darker flavor, use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Chip Cherry Fruitcake Loaf is perfect for Christmas or any festive occasion. Serve it sliced alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy winter treat, or enjoy it as a dessert after a holiday meal. Its rich flavors and moist texture make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

This recipe’s simplicity and versatility ensure that you can enjoy a delicious homemade fruitcake without the hassle of aging or complicated ingredients, making it a staple for your holiday baking traditions.