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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Incorporate melted butter into the yeast mixture, stirring gently to create a smooth liquid base.
- Gradually introduce flour to the wet ingredients, mixing consistently until a cohesive, slightly tacky dough forms. Ensure no dry flour remains unincorporated.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5-7 minutes, developing gluten and creating a smooth, elastic texture.
- 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.
- Prepare the fruit mixture by combining dried fruits and spices in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Gently fold the fruit mixture into the risen dough, using a light touch to maintain the dough’s delicate structure.
- Shape the dough into a rectangular log, carefully pressing out any large air pockets while preserving the dough’s volume.
- Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan, ensuring it sits evenly and has room to expand.
- Allow the dough to undergo a second rising, covering it loosely with plastic wrap. The bread should look puffy and increased in size.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment for the bread.
- Brush the surface with a beaten egg, creating a golden, glossy finish that will enhance the bread’s appearance.
- Bake the bread, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even browning. If the top darkens too quickly, tent with aluminum foil.
- Test the bread’s doneness by tapping the bottom – it should sound hollow and have a rich, golden-brown exterior.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest in the pan for a brief moment before transferring to a wire rack.
- Allow the bread to cool completely, which helps set the crumb and develop full flavor complexity.
- 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