Pre-heat the oven to 325°F.
Prepare two loaf pans by lightly coating with non-stick cooking spray and lining with parchment paper; set aside.
In a sauce pan, over medium heat, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar, chopped apricots, raisins and water.
Bring to a simmer and allow to cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally; remove from heat and allow to cool.
In the meantime, in a medium bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract and the remaining 1 cup granulated sugar.
Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition.
Add the cooled apricot and raisin mixture, including the liquid; mix well.
Add the flour and baking powder; mix well.
Fold in the cherries, peel and walnuts.
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pans.
Tap the pans on the counter top to ensure the cake batter has settled into the corners.
Place in the pre-heated oven and bake for 55 minutes.
Check to see if the loaves are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if the toothpick comes out clean, the loaves are done; if not, then bake for an additional 5 minutes and try the toothpick test again.
Once the cakes are done, remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before transferring out of the loaf pans to a wire cooling rack.
Allow cakes to completely cool before slicing.
