Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

This Easy Fruit Bread Recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast at home or a festive gathering with friends. This delightful bread is packed with juicy fruits and aromatic spices, creating a deliciously sweet treat that everyone will love. The unique blend of flavors makes it stand out, ensuring you’ll want to bake it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up this bread in no time.
• Flavorful Delight: The combination of cranberries, raisins, and spices creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a sweet breakfast, snack, or even dessert — it suits any time of day.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite dried fruits or nuts for a unique twist.
• Perfect for Sharing: This bread makes an excellent gift for friends and family during holidays or special occasions.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy Fruit Bread Recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Loaf pan
• Oven

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl allows you to combine all your ingredients easily without spills.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key for achieving the right texture and flavor in your fruit bread.
• Loaf pan: A good-quality loaf pan helps the bread rise evenly and maintain its shape while baking.

Ingredients

This Easy 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 (or 1 and 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast)
• 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

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, and nutmeg powder.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients. Add melted butter as well. Stir until combined.

Step 4: Add Fruits

Gently fold in cranberries, raisins, currants, and dry cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead for about ten minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 6: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a clean cloth and 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 and place it into a greased loaf pan.

Step 8: Second Rise

Cover again with a cloth and let it rise for another hour until puffy.

Step 9: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for approximately 40 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your fresh Easy Fruit Bread!

How to Serve Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

This easy fruit bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you prefer it as a breakfast option or a sweet treat, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

Toasted with Butter

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

With Cream Cheese

• Top the fruit bread with creamy cheese for a rich flavor contrast. Add herbs or spices for an extra kick.

As a Breakfast Sandwich

• Use slices of fruit bread to create a sweet breakfast sandwich filled with your favorite fresh fruits and nut butter.

Drizzled with Honey

• A light drizzle of honey over warm slices of fruit bread adds natural sweetness and complements the fruity flavors.

Pairing with Tea or Coffee

• Serve warm slices alongside your favorite hot beverage for a cozy afternoon treat or breakfast pairing.

As French Toast

• Dip slices in an egg mixture, then fry until golden for a delicious twist on French toast that highlights the fruit flavors.

How to Perfect Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

Perfecting your easy fruit bread can elevate it to new heights. Here are some tips to ensure your baking success:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all fruits and spices are fresh to maximize flavor and texture in your fruit bread.

• Knead Properly: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten, resulting in a better texture.

• Let it Rise: Allow the dough ample time to rise. A longer rise improves flavor and ensures your bread is fluffy.

• Experiment with Fruits: Feel free to mix different dried fruits based on your preference. This can change the taste profile significantly.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your easy fruit bread can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Greek Yogurt: Creamy yogurt provides a refreshing contrast, perfect as a topping or on the side.

2. Fruit Salad: A bowl of mixed fresh fruits can complement the dried fruits in the bread and add vibrant colors.

3. Nuts: Roasted nuts like almonds or walnuts add crunch and healthy fats, making your meal more satisfying.

4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the fruit bread.

5. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado spread on slices adds healthy fats and pairs well with the sweet flavors of the bread.

6. Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious option adds texture and is an excellent way to enjoy additional fruits and seeds.

7. Smoothie Bowl: A colorful smoothie bowl topped with granola creates a nutritious breakfast when served alongside fruit bread.

8. Honey Butter Spread: Whip up some honey butter as a side spread to elevate every bite of your fruit bread experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Easy Fruit Bread Recipe can be fun and rewarding, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold water: Always use warm water to activate the yeast properly, ensuring your bread rises well.
• Skipping the proofing step: Allowing the dough to rise is crucial for texture. Don’t rush this process; give it time to double in size.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision. Incorrect measurements can lead to dense bread.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Ingredients like butter should be at room temperature. This helps them incorporate smoothly into the dough.
• Overbaking the bread: Keep an eye on your bread towards the end of baking. Overbaking can dry it out and affect flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Easy Fruit Bread in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

• Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Easy Fruit Bread Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 10-15 minutes wrapped in foil.
• Microwave: Heat slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, flipping until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Easy Fruit Bread Recipe.

What fruits can I use in my Easy Fruit Bread Recipe?

You can use a variety of dried fruits such as cranberries, raisins, currants, and cherries. Feel free to mix and match based on your preference!

Can I make this Easy Fruit Bread Recipe vegan?

Yes! You can replace butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine.

How do I know when my Easy Fruit Bread is done baking?

The bread should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped lightly on the bottom. You can also use a toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Can I add nuts to my Easy Fruit Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans will add a nice crunch and flavor. Just ensure they are evenly distributed in the dough.

Is this Easy Fruit Bread Recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes! This recipe is straightforward and perfect for novice bakers who want to create something delicious with minimal fuss.

Final Thoughts

The Easy Fruit Bread Recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. With its blend of sweet fruits and spices, it’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Feel free to customize it by adding different fruits or nuts according to your tastes. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!