Tutti Frutti Loaf Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup mixed candied fruits, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix just until combined.
6. Gently fold in the chopped candied fruits and raisins until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.