Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

This Easy Fruit Bread Recipe will delight your taste buds with its rich blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or festive occasions, this bread is packed with juicy fruits and aromatic spices. Its versatility makes it suitable for any meal, whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted the next day. You’ll love how easily you can whip up a warm, homemade loaf that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy mornings.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of fruits and spices creates a delightful taste that appeals to everyone.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Serve it warm with butter, as part of a breakfast spread, or as a sweet treat during the holidays.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite dried fruits based on what you have on hand.
• Impressive Presentation: A loaf of this fruit bread makes for an elegant addition to any brunch or gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather all essential tools to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Loaf pan
• Oven

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix your ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistency in your bread’s texture and flavor.
• Loaf pan: A quality loaf pan helps shape your bread evenly for a beautiful presentation.

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 Base

• 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

• 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)

For the Spices

• 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

Start by combining the warm water and instant yeast in a mixing bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, and nutmeg powder.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add softened butter and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.

Step 4: Add Fruits

Gently fold in cranberries, raisins, currants, and whole cherries if using. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

Step 6: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about two hours or until doubled in size.

Step 7: Shape the Loaf

After rising, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf by tucking in the edges.

Step 8: Second Rise

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

Step 9: Bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown on top. The internal temperature should reach around 90°C (190°F).

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy this Easy Fruit Bread Recipe with your favorite spreads or simply on its own!

How to Serve Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

Serving Easy Fruit Bread can transform your breakfast or snack into a delightful experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious bread.

Toast with Butter

• Spread a generous layer of butter on warm slices for a rich, creamy treat.

Cream Cheese Spread

• Top with cream cheese for a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the fruit.

Honey Drizzle

• Drizzle honey over the slices for added sweetness and a touch of nature’s goodness.

Yogurt Parfait

• Layer pieces of fruit bread with yogurt and fresh fruits for a wholesome parfait.

Fruit Compote Topping

• Serve with a homemade fruit compote to enhance the fruity flavors in the bread.

How to Perfect Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

Perfecting your Easy Fruit Bread is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your baking game:

• Knead properly: Make sure to knead the dough until smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten, giving your bread structure.

• Use warm water: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, as this activates the yeast effectively without killing it.

• Let it rise: Allow the dough to rise in a warm area until doubled in size. This step is crucial for lightness.

• Choose quality fruits: Opt for high-quality dried fruits to enhance flavor and texture in your bread.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust or add spices like ginger or cloves for more depth of flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

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

1. Scrambled Eggs
   Rich and fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance the sweetness of the fruit bread.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness that complements the bread beautifully.

3. Nutty Granola
   Crunchy granola offers a delightful contrast in texture when served alongside slices of fruit bread.

4. Smoothie Bowl
   A smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds makes for a nutritious morning boost alongside your bread.

5. Oatmeal
   Warm oatmeal provides hearty comfort, making it an excellent pairing with sweet fruit flavors.

6. Avocado Toast
   Creamy avocado on toasted bread creates a savory element that pairs well with sweet fruit notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Fruit Bread Recipe can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Incorrect yeast measurement: Using too much or too little yeast can affect the rise of your bread. Always measure carefully and consider using a kitchen scale for precision.

• Neglecting dough temperature: If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast. Ensure your warm water is around 110°F (43°C) for optimal results.

• Skipping proofing time: Rushing through the rising process may lead to dense bread. Allow your dough ample time to rise until it doubles in size.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too vigorously can develop gluten too much, resulting in tough bread. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.

• Not using enough flour: A wet dough can result in a sticky mess. Add flour gradually until you achieve a soft and manageable consistency.

• Ignoring baking times: Each oven varies, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. Use a toothpick to check if it’s done; it should come out clean.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep slices separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Toast slices over low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Easy Fruit Bread Recipe:

How do I customize my Easy Fruit Bread Recipe?

You can add nuts or different dried fruits like apricots or figs. Experiment with spices such as ginger or cloves for unique flavors!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but you might need to adjust the liquid slightly since it absorbs more moisture.

What fruits work best in this Easy Fruit Bread Recipe?

Cranberries, raisins, and cherries are great choices. Feel free to mix and match based on your preference!

How long does this Easy Fruit Bread last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts up to 5 days at room temperature and up to 3 months when frozen.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use non-dairy milk instead of water if desired.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Fruit Bread Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your choice of fruits and spices to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack, you’ll love how easy it is to make fresh fruit bread at home!