Fruit Bread is a delightful and colorful loaf packed with a variety of dried fruits, making it a sweet and slightly tangy treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. This bread combines the rich flavors of fruits such as raisins, cranberries, apricots, and perhaps even tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, all embedded within a soft, lightly sweetened dough. This versatile loaf not only provides a nutritious start to your day but also pairs beautifully with afternoon tea, offering a satisfying blend of wholesome ingredients and decadent taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, chopped apricots, cranberries, diced pineapple, and mango)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together both flours, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
- Add Fruits and Nuts:
- Stir the dried fruits and nuts (if using) into the dry ingredients. This helps to distribute them evenly and prevents them from sinking during baking.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. The batter should be thick and lumpy.
- Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve. It can be enjoyed plain, with butter, or as part of a delicious French toast recipe.
Fruit Bread is a festive, flavorful bread that’s not only packed with nutritional benefits from the dried fruits but also has a comforting, homemade appeal. Whether served during the holidays or as a special weekend treat, this bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its delightful mix of flavors and textures.
