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Fruit Bread

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This fruit bread recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and wholesome flavors. Made with a blend of all-purpose flour, mixed dried fruits like raisins and cranberries, and optional chopped nuts, it offers the perfect balance of softness and crunch. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and the aromatic touch of vanilla extract, this bread is moist, flavorful, and versatile. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, this homemade fruit bread is a healthier and customizable alternative to store-bought versions.

The recipe is simple to follow, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. You can tweak the ingredients to suit dietary preferences, like swapping dairy for plant-based milk or making it nut-free. Plus, with endless flavor combinations and toppings to try, it’s a recipe you’ll want to bake again and again!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup applesauce or mashed banana (for moisture)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups chopped mixed dried fruit (e.g., raisins, dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or dates)
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
  • ¼ cup orange juice or milk

Instructions

  • Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, oil, applesauce (or banana), vanilla, and orange juice (or milk) until well combined.
  • Combine: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Fold in fruit and nuts: Gently stir in the dried fruit and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
  • Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Customize the Add-Ins: This recipe is highly versatile—use your favorite dried fruits (such as apricots, cherries, or figs) and nuts (like walnuts, pecans, or almonds). You can even experiment with chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or spices like nutmeg and ginger.
  • Dietary Adaptations:
    • For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk and coconut oil.
    • To make the recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Prevent Add-Ins from Sinking: Toss dried fruits and nuts in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter to distribute them evenly throughout the loaf.
  • Storage Tips:
    • Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
    • Refrigerate for up to 1 week, but keep the loaf tightly wrapped to maintain moisture.
    • Freeze individual slices or the entire loaf for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave slices for quick enjoyment.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: For a less sweet loaf, reduce the sugar by half or use natural sweeteners like honey or mashed bananas.
  • Toothpick Test: Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your bread is ready!
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve plain, spread with butter or cream cheese, or pair with honey, jam, or even a drizzle of chocolate. Toasted slices make an excellent snack or dessert!

Pro Tips for Success

  1. Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid a dense loaf.
  2. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Room-temperature eggs, milk, and butter help the batter mix smoothly and evenly.
  3. Preheat the Oven: A properly preheated oven ensures the bread rises evenly and bakes to perfection.
  4. Let it Cool Completely: Cooling the bread on a wire rack prevents it from becoming soggy and makes slicing easier.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/fruit-bread/