There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, especially when it’s laced with the warmth of spices and the sweetness of dried fruit. If you’re looking for a foolproof way to bring a little joy to your kitchen, this easy fruit bread recipe is exactly what you need. It’s soft, slightly sweet, and packed with a delightful mix of dried fruits that bring every bite to life. Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy as a morning treat, a midday snack, or even a gift for loved ones. Let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Fruit Bread Recipe

This isn’t your average loaf. It combines the satisfying texture of homemade bread with a medley of fruity and spiced goodness. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.
• Customizable: Add your favorite dried fruits and spices to make it your own.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, tea time, or a holiday gathering, this bread shines on every table.

But before we roll up our sleeves, let me tell you a little story about my first attempt at fruit bread. I was a bit intimidated by the thought of working with yeast, but the recipe was so forgiving and easy to follow that even my lopsided loaf turned out delicious. If I could do it back then, you definitely can, too!

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

The foundation of any great bread starts with the dough, and this one is soft, supple, and a dream to work with. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients for the Dough

• 357 g (2 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 210 ml (1 cup – 2 tbsp) warm water
• 1 tsp instant yeast (or 1 ¼ tsp active dry yeast)
• 1 tsp (5.9 g) salt
• 42.6 g (3 tbsp) butter, melted
• 32 g (2 ½ tbsp) sugar

Steps to Make the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm water, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for a couple of minutes to ensure the yeast dissolves. (Don’t worry, no fancy tools are needed here—a simple whisk or spoon works just fine!)
2. Add the Butter: Pour in the melted butter, which will add richness to your bread.
3. Mix in the Flour: Gradually add the flour, stirring as you go, until a shaggy dough forms. At this stage, it’s perfectly okay if the dough looks a bit rough—it’s all part of the process.
4. Let It Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rest for about an hour or until it doubles in size.

Pro Tip: If your kitchen is chilly, try placing the dough near a slightly warm oven or on top of a refrigerator to speed up the rising process.

Step 2: Creating the Fruit Mix

Now comes the fun part—getting that delightful fruitiness into your bread! The mix of dried fruits and spices gives this loaf its signature flavor.

Ingredients for the Fruit Mix

• 80-90 g (½ cup) dried cranberries
• 80-90 g (½ cup) raisins
• 60-70 g (½ cup) currants
• 80-90 g (½ cup) dried cherries (optional)
• ½ tsp cinnamon powder
• ¼ tsp cardamom powder
• ¼ tsp nutmeg powder (optional)
• ½ tsp vanilla sugar or pure vanilla extract

Steps to Prepare the Fruit Mix

1. Toss the Fruits: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cranberries, raisins, currants, and cherries (if using).
2. Add the Spices: Sprinkle the cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg over the fruits. These spices infuse the fruit with a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the bread.
3. Mix It Up: Add the vanilla sugar or extract, and gently toss everything together until the fruits are evenly coated.

Step 3: Incorporating the Fruits

When the dough is fully risen, it should feel soft and airy, like a fluffy pillow. The next step is to gently deflate it and mix in the fruits. Here’s how to do it:

Steps to Incorporate the Fruit Mix

1. Deflate the Dough: Using your hands or a spatula, gently pull the dough away from the edges of the bowl and fold it into the center. This releases the air bubbles without overworking the dough.
2. Add the Fruits: Sprinkle the prepared fruit mixture evenly over the surface of the dough.
3. Fold to Combine: Fold the dough over the fruits, pressing lightly to help them stick. Continue folding until the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be gentle—you don’t want to tear the dough.

Pro Tip: If the fruits seem stubborn about staying in place, fold the dough into a rough rectangle, press the fruits into one half, and then fold the other half over like a book. This helps lock them in place.

Step 4: Shaping the Dough

Once the fruits are mixed in, it’s time to shape the dough into a loaf. This step is crucial for ensuring your bread bakes evenly and looks as good as it tastes.

Steps to Shape the Dough

1. Flatten the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently flatten it into a rectangle with your hands—don’t worry about being too precise with the size.
2. Roll It Up: Starting from one short end, roll the dough into a tight jelly-roll shape. This technique helps create a uniform loaf with even fruit distribution.
3. Prepare the Pan: Grease a loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray and place the rolled dough inside, seam-side down.
4. Second Rise: Cover the pan with cling wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for about 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.

Pro Tip: If you want an extra-special presentation, you can braid the dough instead of rolling it. Divide it into three pieces, braid them together, and tuck the ends under before placing it in the pan.

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

We’re almost there! The next step is to prepare the loaf for baking by adding an egg wash to ensure a golden, shiny crust.

Ingredients for the Egg Wash

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Steps for the Egg Wash

1. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is finishing its second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brush the Dough: Using a pastry brush, gently coat the top of the dough with the beaten egg. This will give your bread that bakery-perfect sheen once it’s baked.

Step 6: Baking the Bread

This is the moment when all your hard work pays off. Once the bread is in the oven, your kitchen will be filled with the most heavenly aroma.

Steps for Baking

1. Bake at 350°F: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 34-35 minutes.
2. Adjust the Heat: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F and bake for an additional 4-5 minutes. This ensures the bread cooks through without overbrowning.
3. Tent with Foil (If Needed): Check the bread around the 25-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with a piece of aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Pro Tip: A good way to test if your bread is fully baked is to tap the bottom of the loaf once it’s out of the pan. If it sounds hollow, it’s done!

Step 7: Cooling the Bread

As tempting as it might be to dive right in, letting the bread cool completely is key to getting clean slices and the best texture.

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Steps to Cool

1. Remove from Pan: Let the bread rest in the pan for 2-3 minutes, then gently transfer it to a wire rack.
2. Butter the Crust: For a softer, richer crust, brush the top of the warm bread with melted butter.
3. Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool for at least 2-3 hours before slicing. This patience ensures the interior is fully set and avoids gummy slices.

Bonus Tips for Success

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing in the fruits, keep your movements gentle to maintain the dough’s light, airy texture.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves can also be a fun twist.
• Storage: Once cooled, store your fruit bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.

FAQs and Wrapping It All Up

Now that you’ve baked your fruit bread to perfection, let’s address some of the most common questions about this recipe. Plus, we’ll explore creative variations and ideas for serving. By the end, you’ll feel completely confident about making this fruit bread again and again (and maybe sharing it with friends and family, if you don’t eat it all first!).

Frequently Asked Questions About Fruit Bread

1. Can I use different types of dried fruits?

Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible when it comes to the fruit mix. If you’re not a fan of raisins or cranberries, swap them for dried apricots, figs, or even chopped dried mango. Just make sure to keep the total weight of the fruit mix around 300-350 grams to avoid overwhelming the dough.

2. What if my bread doesn’t rise properly?

If your bread isn’t rising as expected, a few factors might be at play:

• Yeast freshness: Make sure your yeast is active by testing it in warm water before starting.
• Temperature: Dough loves warmth. If your kitchen is too cool, try placing the bowl near a warm appliance or in the oven with the light on (but no heat).

3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and allowing the second rise. This makes it easy to bake fresh bread in the morning.

4. How do I store leftover fruit bread?

Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread, wrap the slices individually, and freeze them for up to a month.

5. Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Of course! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, like coconut oil or vegan margarine. The result will still be deliciously soft and flavorful.

6. How do I prevent the dried fruits from sinking?

This recipe avoids that problem by mixing the fruits directly into the dough after the first rise. The dough’s structure helps keep the fruits evenly distributed throughout the loaf.

7. What’s the best way to serve fruit bread?

Fruit bread is incredibly versatile. Toast a slice and spread it with butter or cream cheese for breakfast, or pair it with soft cheeses for an elegant snack. It’s also delightful just as it is with a cup of tea or coffee.

Creative Variations

While this fruit bread is already packed with flavor, there are endless ways to customize it to your liking:

• Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Citrus Flair: Mix in the zest of one orange or lemon to brighten the flavors.
• Chocolate Lovers: Fold in a handful of dark chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
• Holiday Vibes: Swap the spices for a teaspoon of mixed spice or pumpkin pie spice for a festive feel.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Making This Fruit Bread

There’s something so special about pulling a freshly baked loaf out of the oven, knowing that you created it from scratch. This fruit bread isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about the experience. From the simple joy of kneading the dough to the mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen, every step is rewarding.

Whether you’re baking it for a holiday brunch, as a thoughtful homemade gift, or just because you deserve a treat, this fruit bread is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to snag a slice) with this delightful fruit bread. Don’t forget to share your creations and let us know your favorite variations in the comments below!

Happy baking!

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