Delicious and Festive Christmas Gift Loaf Recipe

This Christmas Gift Loaf is a delightful combination of flavors that make it the perfect treat to gift to loved ones during the holiday season. Packed with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices, this loaf is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. It can be enjoyed as is or toasted with a dollop of butter. The loaf can also be wrapped in festive packaging to make it an extra-special gift. Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with this delicious Christmas recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/4 cup chopped dates
• 1/4 cup chopped candied ginger

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Add the mashed bananas to the butter mixture and mix well.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in the walnuts, dried cranberries, chopped apricots, dates, and candied ginger.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf in festive packaging to gift or serve immediately.

Interesting Facts