Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

This Easy Fruit Bread Recipe is perfect for any occasion, be it breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack. With its rich flavors and juicy fruit bits, this bread will impress your family and friends. This recipe is straightforward and versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite dried fruits and spices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just ten minutes of prep time, you can enjoy homemade fruit bread without the fuss.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and dried fruits creates a sweet and aromatic loaf that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Uses: Great for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a gift during the holiday season.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match your favorite dried fruits for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
• Satisfying Texture: This fruit bread has a soft crumb that pairs beautifully with butter or cream cheese.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Loaf pan
• Wooden spoon or dough whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl is necessary for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture in your fruit bread.
• Loaf pan: A good-quality loaf pan ensures even baking and helps maintain the shape of your bread.

Ingredients

This Fruit Bread Recipe will help you make the Best Fruit Bread full of juicy bits of fruits and deliciously flavoured with spices.

For the Dough

• 357 g Flour (or 2 3/4 cup loosely packed)
• 210 ml Warm water (1 cup-2 tbsp)
• 1 tsp Instant yeast (Active dry yeast 1 and 1/4 tsp)
• 1 tsp Salt (or 5.9 g)
• 42.6 g Butter (or 3 tbsp)
• 32 g Sugar (or 2 1/2 tbsp or more according to your preference)

For the Fruits and Spices

• 80-90 g Cranberries (around 1/2 cup)
• 80-90 g Raisins (around 1/2 cup)
• 60-70 g Currants (around 1/2 cup)
• 80-90 g Dry whole Cherries (optional, around 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon Powder
• 1/4 tsp Cardamom powder
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg Powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Sugar or Pure Vanilla Extract

How to Make Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and instant yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, sugar, butter, cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture.
3. Mix until a sticky dough forms. If necessary, adjust with additional flour or water.

Step 2: Incorporate Dried Fruits

1. Gently fold in cranberries, raisins, currants, and cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes until it becomes smooth.

Step 3: Let It Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap.
2. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about two hours or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Loaf

1. Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles.
2. Shape it into a loaf by rolling it tightly from one end to another.

Step 5: Final Rise

1. Place the shaped loaf into a greased loaf pan.
2. Cover again with a cloth and let it rise for another hour.

Step 6: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Bake for about 40 minutes until golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Enjoy your freshly baked Easy Fruit Bread!

How to Serve Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

This Easy Fruit Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast or as a snack, the rich flavors and textures make it versatile.

Toasted with Butter

• Toast slices of fruit bread until golden brown and spread with butter for a warm, comforting breakfast.

With Cream Cheese

• Pair fruit bread with cream cheese for a creamy contrast that enhances the sweetness of the fruits.

As French Toast

• Dip slices in an egg mixture and cook on a skillet to create fruity French toast, perfect for brunch.

With Honey or Maple Syrup

• Drizzle honey or maple syrup on top for an extra touch of sweetness that complements the spices.

Served with Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy a slice alongside your favorite cup of tea or coffee, making for a delightful afternoon snack.

As a Dessert

• Serve warm fruit bread with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert option that brings out the fruity flavors.

How to Perfect Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

Creating the perfect Easy Fruit Bread requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking experience:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh fruits and spices will enhance the flavor profile of your bread, making it more aromatic and flavorful.

• Check Yeast Freshness: Ensure your instant yeast is fresh by testing it in warm water before adding it to the mix. This helps achieve proper rise.

• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. This gluten development is crucial for a great texture.

• Allow Proper Rising Time: Let the dough rise in a warm environment until it doubles in size, which ensures fluffy bread.

• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify sugar amounts based on your taste preference. More sugar can enhance sweetness but may affect texture.

• Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain its structure and prevents it from becoming gummy.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

Pairing your Easy Fruit Bread with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fresh fruits and granola for a refreshing side that balances the sweetness of the bread.

2. Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast and adds freshness to your breakfast table.

3. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs make for a savory addition that pairs nicely with sweet fruit bread.

4. Vegetable Smoothie: Blend greens, bananas, and almond milk for a nutrient-packed smoothie that complements your meal beautifully.

5. Nut Butter Spread: Serve with almond or peanut butter for added protein and richness, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.

6. Cottage Cheese: A bowl of cottage cheese topped with herbs or fruit creates a balanced dish rich in protein, perfect alongside fruit bread.

7. Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars can be an excellent grab-and-go option that pairs well without competing with the fruit flavors.

8. Herbal Tea: A soothing cup of herbal tea not only complements the flavors but also adds an element of warmth to your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making fruit bread can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common pitfalls is essential for the best results.

• Bold ingredient measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Too much or too little flour can affect the texture of your bread.
• Bold ignoring yeast activation: If using active dry yeast, ensure it’s properly activated in warm water before adding it to your mixture. This step is crucial for optimal rise.
• Bold not letting the dough rise enough: Allow your dough ample time to rise. Skipping this can result in dense bread; aim for at least an hour in a warm place.
• Bold skipping the spices: Don’t overlook spices like cinnamon and cardamom. They add depth and flavor to your fruit bread.
• Bold using cold ingredients: Ensure your butter is softened and other ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and rising.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to retain freshness.
• The Easy Fruit Bread Recipe lasts up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for maximum protection.
• It can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds; cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture.
• Stovetop: Toast slices on low heat until golden brown, enhancing the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to customize my Easy Fruit Bread Recipe?

You can customize this recipe by adding different dried fruits like apricots or figs, or by incorporating nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added texture.

Can I make this Easy Fruit Bread Recipe without using butter?

Yes! You can substitute butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option while still achieving delicious results.

How do I know when my Easy Fruit Bread is fully baked?

The bread will sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Additionally, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

What fruits work best in this Easy Fruit Bread Recipe?

Cranberries, raisins, and currants are excellent choices. You could also try adding chopped dates or dried apples for extra sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Fruit Bread Recipe offers a deliciously sweet and spiced loaf perfect for breakfast or snacks. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite fruits and nuts, making it a delightful treat any time of year. Give it a try and enjoy homemade goodness!