Warm & Sweet Homemade Fruit Bread Recipe – Family Joy

Sweet memories of childhood weekends flood back with this delightful homemade fruit bread that brings comfort and warmth to any kitchen.

Bursting with juicy dried fruits and a hint of warm spices, this bread creates an irresistible aroma that fills every corner of your home.

Seasonal fruits meld perfectly with soft, tender dough, creating a delectable treat that speaks directly to the soul.

Each slice promises a delightful balance of sweetness and texture that makes this bread more than just a simple recipe.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward and forgiving technique with ease.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms into a magical loaf that begs to be shared with loved ones.

Enjoy this heartwarming bread as a breakfast delight or a cozy afternoon snack that connects you to cherished culinary traditions.

What You’ll Need for Fresh Fruit Bread

• Flour: Soft and fluffy foundation for the bread.
• Warm Water: Essential liquid for activating yeast.
• Sugar: Sweet ingredient to feed the yeast.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer for the dough.
• Yeast: Magical rising agent for the bread.
• Melted Butter: Rich and smooth moisture creator.

• Dried Fruits: Sweet and chewy texture boosters.
• Spices: Warm and aromatic flavor builders.

• Egg: Glossy golden brown surface creator.

How to Bake This Moist and Fruity Bread

Step 1: Kickstart the Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, salt, and yeast.

Whisk until everything dissolves completely.

Pour in melted butter and stir smoothly.

Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft, slightly shaggy dough forms with no dry spots visible.

Step 2: Let the Dough Bloom

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a cozy, draft-free spot.

Allow the dough to rise and expand for about 60-90 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the volume has doubled and looks puffy and light.

Step 3: Add Fruity Goodness

Prepare your fruit mixture in a separate bowl.

• Dried cranberries
• Chopped apricots
• Raisins
• Candied orange peel

Gently fold these fruits into the risen dough, being careful not to deflate the beautiful air bubbles you’ve created.

Step 4: Shape with Care

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Gently press it into a rectangular shape matching your loaf pan’s width.

Roll the dough into a neat log, ensuring smooth edges.

Place seam-side down in a greased loaf pan.

Step 5: Final Rising Adventure

Cover the shaped dough and let it rise again in a warm location.

This second rise typically takes about 90 minutes.

The dough should look beautifully puffy and almost overflowing the pan.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Brush the dough’s surface with a beaten egg for a gorgeous golden shine.

This creates a stunning glossy exterior that’ll make your bread look professionally crafted.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil.

The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped and displays a rich golden-brown color.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Remove the bread from the oven and let it rest in the pan for just a few minutes.

Carefully transfer to a wire rack.

Allow complete cooling for 2-3 hours.

This patience ensures perfect slicing and ideal texture.

Step 9: Serving Suggestions

Slice the bread when fully cooled.

Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or transform into decadent French toast.

Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days.

Smart Tips for Flavorful Homemade Fruit Bread

• Use exact measurements for flour and liquid ingredients to ensure the perfect dough consistency and prevent a dry or overly sticky bread.
• Ensure warm water is between 100-110°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating optimal rising conditions for the bread.
• Fold dried fruits gently to distribute evenly without overworking the dough, maintaining a light and airy texture.
• Watch bread closely during baking, using foil to prevent over-browning and adjusting oven temperature for even cooking.
• Allow bread to cool completely on a wire rack to set the structure and develop full flavor, resisting the temptation to slice immediately.

How to Store and Enjoy Fruit Bread Later

• Store the bread in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent molding.
• Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Warm slices at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness. Wrap in foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Toast individual slices on medium setting for a crispy exterior and warm, soft interior. Add butter or jam for extra flavor.

Tasty Pairings for Fruity Bread Loaves

• Brew the Perfect Beverage Companion: Pair this homemade fruit bread with a warm chai latte, where spicy notes beautifully complement the bread's fruity undertones.
• Spread the Delightful Spread: Enhance each slice with a generous dollop of clotted cream or honey butter, creating a luxurious texture that elevates the bread's natural sweetness.
• Match with Creamy Cheese: Serve alongside a mild cream cheese or mascarpone, which provides a smooth, rich contrast to the bread's dense fruity structure.
• Create a Morning Ritual: Enjoy with a freshly brewed medium-roast coffee, allowing the robust caffeine to balance the bread's sweet, complex flavor profile.

Easy Swaps and Styles for Fruit Bread

• Gluten-Free Fruit Bread: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond flour, rice flour, and xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly version that maintains a soft texture.
• Vegan Fruit Bread: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk instead of water, and replace egg wash with a maple syrup glaze for a dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Fruit Bread: Swap white sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content, and use unsweetened dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a healthier option.
• Nut-Infused Fruit Bread: Add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the fruit mix for extra crunch and nutritional value, creating a more complex flavor profile.

FAQs

• Why is yeast important in this fruit bread recipe?

Yeast helps the dough rise, creating a soft, fluffy texture and developing rich flavor by converting sugars into carbon dioxide, which creates air pockets in the bread.

• Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?

Fresh fruits contain more moisture and might make the dough too wet. Stick to dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for the best results.

• How do I know if my yeast is still active?

Dissolve yeast in warm water with sugar. If it becomes foamy and bubbly within 5-10 minutes, your yeast is alive and ready to use. If nothing happens, the yeast is likely dead and should be replaced.

• What type of flour works best for this bread?

All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe. It provides the right protein content for a tender crumb and good structure, ensuring your fruit bread rises properly and has a consistent texture.

Why Homemade Fruit Bread Is a Cozy Favorite

• Boost Family Bonding: Create delightful memories while baking together, turning this fruit bread recipe into a fun family activity that encourages teamwork and shared culinary experiences.
• Master Baker Skills: Perfect for beginners and intermediate bakers wanting to improve their bread-making techniques with a forgiving and delicious recipe that builds confidence in the kitchen.
• Versatile Breakfast Companion: Enjoy this fruit-packed bread as a morning treat, afternoon snack, or dessert option that pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or as a standalone comfort food.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily swap dried fruits, add nuts, or experiment with different spices to make this recipe uniquely yours, allowing personal touch and flavor exploration.

Homemade Fruit Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful homemade fruit bread brings warmth from grandma’s kitchen to your table. Rich with sweet dried fruits and a tender crumb, this classic recipe connects comfort and tradition in one irresistible slice you’ll cherish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Flour and Leavening Agents:

• 357 g (2 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast (or 1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast)

Liquid and Fat:

• 210 ml (1 cup minus 2 tablespoons) warm water
• 42.6 g (3 tablespoons) butter, melted

Sweeteners and Seasoning:

• 32 g (2 1/2 tablespoons) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5.9 g) salt

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast in a spacious mixing bowl. Allow the mixture to become frothy and fragrant, indicating the yeast is alive and ready.
2. Incorporate melted butter into the yeast mixture, stirring gently to create a smooth liquid base.
3. Gradually introduce flour to the wet ingredients, mixing consistently until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough forms. Ensure no dry flour remains unincorporated.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, developing gluten and creating a smooth, elastic texture.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it rest in a warm, draft-free area until it doubles in volume, approximately 60-90 minutes.
6. Prepare the fruit mixture by combining dried fruits and spices in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
7. Gently fold the fruit mixture into the risen dough, using a light touch to maintain the dough’s delicate structure.
8. Shape the dough into a rectangular log, carefully pressing out any large air pockets while preserving the dough’s volume.
9. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan, ensuring it sits evenly and has room to expand.
10. Allow the dough to undergo a second rising, covering it loosely with plastic wrap. The bread should look puffy and increased in size.
11. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment for the bread.
12. Brush the surface with a beaten egg, creating a golden, glossy finish that will enhance the bread’s appearance.
13. Bake the bread, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even browning. If the top darkens too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.
14. Test the bread’s doneness by tapping the bottom – it should sound hollow and have a rich, golden-brown exterior.
15. Remove from the oven and let it rest in the pan for a brief moment before transferring to a wire rack.
16. Allow the bread to cool completely, which helps set the crumb and develop full flavor complexity.
17. Slice and serve, enjoying the bread at room temperature or lightly toasted with a spread of butter or jam.

Notes

• Ensure yeast is fresh and active by checking the expiration date and proofing it in warm water before mixing.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help the dough rise evenly and develop a consistent texture.
• Select a mix of dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and apricots for a vibrant and complex flavor profile.
• Adjust spices according to personal preference, experimenting with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for unique taste variations.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 149
• Sugar: 2.7 g
• Sodium: 0.5 g
• Fat: 3.6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25.9 g
• Fiber: 0.8 g
• Protein: 3.6 g
• Cholesterol: 7 mg