The first time I pulled a batch of these Mini Fruit Cake Muffins out of my oven, the entire story unfolded in the aroma. It wasn’t just the sweet, vanilla-laced scent of cake; it was the warm, spiced whisper of dried fruit plumped in tea, the comforting note of brown sugar caramelizing at the edges, and a hint of orange zest that made my kitchen feel like a holiday haven in the middle of a perfectly ordinary Tuesday. I’d been searching for a way to capture the dense, rich essence of a traditional fruitcake but in a friendly, bite-sized form that everyone would actually want to eat. This recipe was my happy experiment, and the moment I saw those little domes rise perfectly, speckled with jewel-toned fruit, and tasted that first moist, flavorful bite, I knew I had to share it with you. It’s the cozy, celebratory treat you can make any day.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or full-fat plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
- 1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruit (I use a combo of raisins, chopped apricots, cranberries, and tart cherries)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but recommended)
About the ingredients: The dried fruit is the star here, so don’t be shy. I’ve found that a mix of tart and sweet works best. If your fruit seems particularly dry or hard, give it a quick 10-minute soak in hot tea or orange juice before draining and adding it—it makes a world of difference in texture. The sour cream is my secret weapon for incredible moisture; I’ve tried it with milk, and the muffins were good, but with sour cream, they stay tender for days. And please, use real butter and fresh orange zest. The zest adds a bright, essential perfume that balances the spices beautifully.(See the next page below to continue…)